Description
Warm, rich, and irresistibly comforting, this Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate classic dessert. Made with toasted farmhouse bread soaked in a creamy cinnamon-spiced custard and studded with sweet raisins, every bite melts in your mouth with cozy homemade flavor. Topped with a silky vanilla sauce, this old-fashioned favorite transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat perfect for holidays, family dinners, or chilly evenings.
The golden top, soft custard center, and sweet vanilla drizzle create a dessert that feels nostalgic and indulgent all at once. Whether served warm from the oven or reheated the next day, this bread pudding is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1½ cups white sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 10 slices hearty farmhouse-style bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 1 cup raisins
Vanilla Sauce
- 1¼ cups whole milk
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, white sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Add the toasted bread cubes and raisins. Stir gently until the bread absorbs the custard mixture.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the bread fully soaks up the liquid.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled generously with vanilla sauce.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
- Brioche, challah, or French bread are excellent substitutes for farmhouse bread.
- Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave and add extra vanilla sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Best Bread Pudding, Vanilla Sauce, Dessert Recipe, Bread Pudding Recipe, American Cuisine