The Coziest Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

Bread pudding upgrades humble ingredients into a magical dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Rich culinary traditions have long celebrated this humble sweet creation as a masterpiece of resourcefulness and warmth.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful treat by combining simple pantry staples with creative techniques.

Its soft, custardy texture promises a delectable experience that bridges rustic charm and sophisticated indulgence.

The dessert elegantly balances sweet and creamy elements, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Classic techniques merge with personal interpretations, allowing each baker to infuse their unique touch into this timeless recipe.

Warm, inviting aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delightful experience that connects you to cherished memories.

Why Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Feels So Comforting

• Create Nostalgic Comfort: This bread pudding transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dessert that whispers memories of grandma's kitchen, delivering pure culinary comfort with every spoonful.
• Master Easy Transformation: Ordinary bread becomes a luxurious dessert through a magical custard bath, turning stale bread into a rich, creamy delicacy with minimal cooking skills required.
• Indulge in Sensory Delight: The recipe offers a stunning contrast of textures- crispy golden edges meeting soft, custardy interior, enhanced by a silky vanilla sauce that elevates the entire dessert experience with warm spices and sweet richness.

What You’ll Need for Bread Pudding Casserole

• Bread: Soft, day-old bread ideal for absorbing custard and creating rich texture.
• Milk: Creamy base for custard that adds moisture and richness to the pudding.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create smooth, custardy consistency.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the dessert's comforting taste profile.

• Raisins: Sweet, chewy addition that brings extra texture and burst of fruity flavor.
• Butter: Helps create golden brown top and adds rich, smooth mouthfeel.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, luxurious vanilla sauce with glossy finish.

How to Make Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab a casserole dish and generously coat it with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

• Milk
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Soak the Bread

Tear bread into bite-sized cubes and gently fold into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Add Optional Goodies

Sprinkle in raisins if desired, gently folding them into the soaked bread mixture.

Step 5: Butter Magic

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture, carefully tossing to ensure even distribution.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the bread mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a tempting dessert landscape.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Craft the Vanilla Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Butter
• Brown sugar

Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bread pudding cool slightly. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately.

Tips for Custard Texture and a Golden Top

• Choose Soft Bread: Select day-old brioche, challah, or French bread for the most luxurious and tender texture.
• Soak Thoroughly: Allow bread to sit in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and creamy consistency.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to maintain an even golden color.
• Test for Doneness: Check the center of the pudding with a toothpick; it should come out clean and the custard should be set but still slightly jiggly.
• Enhance Flavor: Experiment with add-ins like toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to create your unique bread pudding variation.

How to Store and Warm Up Bread Pudding Later

• Refrigerate: Store bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place in preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle fresh vanilla sauce on top to restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Toppings and Drinks That Go With This Dessert

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Coffee: Rich, warm coffee with caramel notes perfectly complements the sweet, custardy bread pudding. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the dessert's richness.
• Match with Spiced Rum Accompaniment: A smooth spiced rum brings out the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors in the pudding. Its warmth enhances the dessert's comforting texture and taste.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cold, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast with the warm bread pudding. The extra vanilla notes harmonize beautifully with the dessert's vanilla sauce.
• Complement with Toasted Almond Garnish: Sprinkle crunchy toasted almonds on top for a nutty texture that adds depth to the soft, custardy pudding. The nuts provide a delightful crunch against the smooth dessert.

Simple Ways to Change the Flavor or Style

• Chocolate Chip Celebration: Fold in mini chocolate chips before baking for a rich, sweet upgrade that transforms the classic recipe into a decadent dessert.
• Nutty Crunch Companion: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts across the top before baking, adding a delightful texture and earthy flavor to the creamy pudding.
• Seasonal Berry Burst: Mix in fresh blueberries or diced strawberries to bring a vibrant, fruity dimension that complements the warm, custardy base.
• Caramel Whisper Edition: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the pudding instead of vanilla sauce, creating a deeper, more complex sweetness that melts perfectly into the bread.

Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic bread pudding sings with Southern comfort and nostalgia. Silky vanilla sauce drizzled over custardy bread layers creates a heartwarming dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Bread Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk

Bread Spices and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Bread Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ⅓ cup raisins (optional)

Vanilla Sauce Main Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup heavy cream

Vanilla Sauce Sweeteners:

• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar

Vanilla Sauce Flavor:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coat a casserole dish with lubricating agent to prevent sticking.
2. Create a harmonious custard base by whisking milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until ingredients seamlessly integrate.
3. Gently introduce bread cubes into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece becomes thoroughly saturated. Allow the bread to rest and absorb the custodial liquid for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Incorporate raisins into the softened bread mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the pudding base.
5. Drizzle melted butter across the surface, tenderly folding to ensure uniform coverage and enhanced flavor complexity.
6. Carefully transfer the moistened bread ensemble into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the surface for consistent baking.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and the center stabilizes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick which should emerge clean.
8. While the pudding bakes, craft the accompanying vanilla sauce by combining heavy cream, sugar, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Maintain continuous stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon elegantly.
9. Remove sauce from heat and infuse with vanilla extract, creating a luxurious accompaniment.
10. Once baked, allow the pudding to cool momentarily before serving, drizzling the prepared vanilla sauce generously over the top.

Notes

• Bread pudding transforms stale bread into a luxurious dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Allow bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum moisture and rich, creamy texture.
• Raisins are optional but add delightful bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the pudding.
• Toasting the bread cubes before mixing can enhance the depth of flavor and provide a slight crunch.
• Vanilla sauce elevates this classic dessert from simple to extraordinary, creating a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean, indicating the pudding is perfectly baked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg