Cozy Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Warm memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I think about bread pudding, a comforting dessert that whispers sweet nostalgia.
My grandmother would carefully rescue day-old bread, understanding its hidden potential for something magical.
Soft, custardy textures mingle with delicate spices, creating a symphony of flavor that feels like a warm embrace.
Each bite tells a story of resourceful cooking and love stirred into every ingredient.
Humble ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that surprises and delights even the most discerning palate.
Creamy, rich, and wonderfully indulgent, this recipe promises to become your new favorite comfort food.
Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that turns simple ingredients into pure culinary magic.
Why Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Feels So Comforting
Ingredients for Bread Pudding in a Casserole Dish
Main Ingredients:
Bread: The base of the pudding, providing texture and structure. Stale or day-old bread works best for better absorption.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Create a rich, creamy custard base. Full-fat dairy ensures a luxurious texture.
Eggs: Bind the pudding and add richness. Fresh eggs at room temperature mix more smoothly.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the top. Regular granulated sugar is ideal.
Flavor Enhancers:
Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet flavor. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complexity. Freshly ground spices have more intense flavor.
Raisins: Optional ingredient for added sweetness and texture. Golden or dark raisins work well.
Finishing Touches:
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden brown top. Unsalted butter allows better control of saltiness.
Nonstick Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal. Use a light coating for best results.
How to Bake Bread Pudding with Warm Vanilla Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick coat of butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange Bread Base
Toss your bread cubes into the prepared dish. Want to add some extra sweetness? Sprinkle raisins across the bread for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Custard
In a large bowl, combine:Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Layer and Soak
Gently pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a nice bath. Press down softly to help the bread soak up all that delicious liquid. Drizzle melted butter across the top for extra richness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes to fully absorb the custard. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The pudding will be irresistibly warm and inviting.
Vanilla Sauce
Step 7: Create the Heavenly Sauce
In a saucepan, mix:Stir over low heat until smooth and warm.
Step 8: Drizzle and Enjoy
Pour the luscious vanilla sauce over each serving. Dive into a slice of pure comfort and indulgence!
Tips for Getting That Golden-Top Bread Pudding
Store and Reheat Bread Pudding Like a Pro
What to Pair with Bread Pudding and Sauce
Flavor Twists for Classic Bread Pudding
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Bread Pudding In Casserole With Vanilla Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Homemade bread pudding delivers classic comfort with rich custard and spiced warmth from traditional French countryside kitchens. Drizzled vanilla sauce creates a luxurious finish that promises delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups (about 12 slices) day-old bread, cubed (e.g., brioche, challah, or French bread)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups (750 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch casserole with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Systematically distribute bread cubes across the greased dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for the pudding.
- Sprinkle raisins uniformly over the bread cubes, guaranteeing each slice will have a delightful burst of sweetness.
- Create a rich custard base by vigorously whisking milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a silky, homogeneous consistency.
- Carefully cascade the custard mixture over the bread, gently pressing down to facilitate maximum liquid absorption, allowing the bread to become thoroughly saturated.
- Drizzle melted butter across the surface, which will contribute to a golden, crisp top during baking.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the bread to fully soak up the flavorful custard.
- Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown surface and a set center.
- Remove from the oven and permit the pudding to cool slightly, which will help it maintain structural integrity when serving.
Notes
- Toast bread cubes lightly before mixing to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess, creating a more crisp and delightful pudding.
- Experiment with different bread types like brioche or challah for richer, more luxurious flavor profiles that elevate the classic dessert.
- Substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy, indulgent character of the original recipe.
- Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard mixture for an adult twist that deepens the bread pudding’s complexity and warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.