If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. This timeless dessert transforms simple ingredients into warm, custardy goodness, crowned with a silky, aromatic vanilla sauce. It’s the kind of classic that instantly brings everyone to the table, whether it’s a casual Sunday or a special holiday. Every bite is a celebration of nostalgia and sweetness, making this dish a perennial favorite for anyone craving old-fashioned goodness with just the right touch of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is that it relies on everyday ingredients, yet each plays a crucial role in building irresistible flavor and texture. From the pillowy bread to the rich cream and the fragrant spices, every component is a building block for this dessert’s signature warmth and depth.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed): Use French bread or brioche for the best texture—stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Brings creaminess and helps soften the bread.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds richness for a truly decadent pudding.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for setting the custard and giving structure.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup for pudding, 1/2 cup for sauce): Sweetens both the pudding and the vanilla sauce.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Lends a caramel note and depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons for pudding, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Provides that signature aroma and warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the pudding with cozy spice.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, nutty warmth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon for pudding, pinch for sauce): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Raisins or chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional): For extra texture and bursts of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for pudding, 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds richness and a golden finish.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon for sauce): Thickens the vanilla sauce perfectly.
- Egg yolk (1 for sauce): Makes the vanilla sauce velvety and rich.
How to Make A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your bread pudding releases cleanly and bakes evenly, creating that delicious, golden crust around the edges.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This luscious custard is the heart of A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce and will soak every bread cube with flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add your cubed bread (and raisins or nuts, if using) to the custard mixture. Give everything a good toss so the bread is evenly coated and begins to absorb the liquid. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up as much custard as possible—this is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Drizzle the melted butter over the top for a gorgeous golden finish. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While your bread pudding bakes, make the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and pinch of salt. Gradually whisk in the milk, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 5 to 7 minutes. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk, then gradually whisk in a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture to temper it. Pour the tempered yolk back into the saucepan, cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions of warm bread pudding onto plates and drizzle liberally with the homemade vanilla sauce. For true comfort, serve immediately and savor the delightful contrast between the warm pudding and the silky, aromatic sauce.
How to Serve A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon brings a pretty finish to A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. For a festive touch, add a dollop of softly whipped cream or even a few fresh berries. If you love a little crunch, a handful of toasted nuts on top is fantastic.
Side Dishes
This dessert is rich and satisfying, but it pairs especially well with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple egg dish to balance the sweetness and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch—perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. You can also cut cooled bread pudding into squares, drizzle with vanilla sauce, and serve on a platter for a buffet-style dessert. For a playful twist, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra bread pudding, simply cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more irresistible!
Freezing
A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce can be frozen for future cravings. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. The vanilla sauce can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While French bread and brioche are classic choices for A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, you can use challah, sandwich bread, or any sturdy, slightly stale loaf you have on hand. Softer breads may yield a more custardy pudding, so adjust soaking time as needed.
Is it okay to leave out the raisins or nuts?
Definitely. The raisins or nuts are completely optional—leave them out if your family prefers a smooth, classic bread pudding, or swap in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a fun variation.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute non-dairy milk and cream (like coconut or almond milk and coconut cream) for the dairy, and use plant-based butter. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and comforting.
How can I tell when the bread pudding is done baking?
The center should be set but still slightly wobbly, and the top will turn a beautiful golden brown. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I prepare the pudding and sauce ahead of time?
Certainly! Both the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce can be made a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat just before serving for a stress-free dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to share a little extra warmth with your loved ones, give A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce a try. It’s the kind of dessert that creates instant memories, filling your home with the inviting aroma of vanilla and spice. Gather your family, serve up big, gooey squares, and savor every sweet, nostalgic bite!
Print
A Cozy Family Treat: Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make bread pudding paired with a luscious homemade vanilla sauce. Perfect as a cozy family dessert using day-old bread and warm spices.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as French bread or brioche)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Sauce
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates the perfect environment for baking the bread pudding evenly and prevents sticking.
- Mix Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined to form the custard mixture.
- Soak Bread: Add the cubed day-old bread and optional raisins or nuts to the custard mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all bread pieces are soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid fully.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.
- Prepare Vanilla Sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine sugar, flour, and salt in a small saucepan. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Temper Egg Yolk: In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk. Gradually whisk a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture into the yolk to temper it, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Spoon the warm bread pudding onto plates and generously drizzle with the vanilla sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture and absorption.
- You can prepare both the bread pudding and vanilla sauce a day ahead and reheat before serving.
- For added indulgence, top with whipped cream or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
