Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce 

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Place the cubed stale bread into the prepared baking dish. If using raisins or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the bread.

Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard

1. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce

1. While the bread pudding is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with the vanilla sauce and enjoy warm.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

• Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven at a low temperature.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with flavors by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture for an adult twist.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Conclusion

Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity and flavor in every bite. This recipe is not just a way to use up leftover bread; it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed on a quiet evening at home, this bread pudding is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. So grab some stale bread and get ready to whip up this classic dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy!