Classic Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce
This Classic Bread Pudding is a treasured family recipe that's been passed down through generations. With its rich, custardy texture and a hint of sweetness from the raisins, this dish transforms stale bread into a comforting dessert that brings back fond memories. The addition of the Creamy Vanilla Sauce—a delightful, buttery glaze—elevates the bread pudding to a whole new level. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe ensures that no piece of bread goes to waste while filling your home with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stale bread
2 cups (Cut or tear into 1-2" pieces)
Milk
4 cups (Scalded)
Sugar
3/4 cup (For bread pudding mixture)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (For flavoring)
Eggs
4 (Beaten)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted for pudding)
Raisins
1 cup (Optional, can be soaked in warm water if desired)
Sugar
1/2 cup (For Poor Mans Sauce)
Flour
2 tablespoons (For thickening sauce)
Butter
1 tablespoon (For flavoring sauce)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (For flavoring sauce)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (For spice)
Water
1/2 cup (To create sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2
Cut or tear the stale bread into 1-2 inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a saucepan, scald the milk by heating it until a film forms on the surface; this can be done either on the stove or in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
4
Pour the hot milk over the bread pieces, allowing them to soak for about 5 minutes to absorb the milk.
5
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6
Carefully fold the egg mixture into the bread and milk, ensuring the bread is evenly coated. Stir in the raisins gently.
7
Transfer the bread mixture into the greased baking dish.
8
To bake, place the dish in a larger pan filled with hot water (this creates a steam bath) and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the pudding is firm to the touch.
9
While the pudding is baking, prepare the Poor Mans Sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and flour, and gradually whisk in the water until smooth.
10
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it becomes clear and thick.
11
Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and nutmeg to complete the sauce.
12
Once the bread pudding is done baking, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of the Creamy Vanilla Sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce?
It is a treasured family recipe featuring a rich, custardy texture with raisins and a buttery vanilla glaze that transforms stale bread into a comforting dessert.
What type of bread should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for stale bread to ensure it absorbs the milk mixture properly without becoming too mushy.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the bread for the pudding?
Cut or tear the stale bread into 1-2 inch pieces before placing them in a mixing bowl.
What does it mean to scald the milk?
Scalding means heating the milk until a thin film forms on the surface, which takes about 2 minutes in the microwave or a few minutes on the stove.
How long should the bread soak in the milk?
The bread pieces should soak in the hot scalded milk for about 5 minutes to fully absorb the liquid.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is ideal for this bread pudding recipe.
How many eggs are used in the pudding mixture?
The recipe requires 4 beaten eggs to create the custardy texture.
What ingredients are in the egg mixture?
The egg mixture consists of sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Can I omit the raisins?
Yes, raisins are listed as optional, though they are traditionally included for a hint of sweetness.
How do I incorporate the egg mixture into the bread?
Carefully fold the egg mixture into the soaked bread and milk, ensuring every piece of bread is evenly coated.
What is the purpose of the hot water bath during baking?
Placing the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water creates a steam bath, which helps the pudding bake evenly and maintain a firm texture.
How long does the bread pudding need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 1 hour in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the bread pudding is finished baking?
The pudding is done when it feels firm to the touch.
What is 'Poor Mans Sauce'?
It is the alternative name for the Creamy Vanilla Sauce, made by thickening sugar, flour, and water, then adding butter and vanilla.
How do you make the Creamy Vanilla Sauce?
Combine sugar and flour, whisk in water, cook until thick and clear, then stir in butter, vanilla, and nutmeg.
How much sugar is in the bread pudding mixture?
The main bread pudding mixture uses 3/4 cup of sugar.
How much sugar is used for the vanilla sauce?
The sauce uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
What spice is used in the sauce?
Nutmeg is added at the end to give the sauce a warm spice flavor.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
One tablespoon of butter is stirred into the sauce for flavoring.
Should I serve the bread pudding warm or cold?
It is best served warm with a generous drizzle of the Creamy Vanilla Sauce.
What is the preparation for the raisins?
You can use them as is or soak them in warm water before adding them to the mixture.
How much milk is required?
The recipe uses 4 cups of milk to soak 2 cups of bread.
What thickens the vanilla sauce?
Two tablespoons of flour are whisked with water and sugar to thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
While stale bread is preferred for absorption, you can lightly toast fresh bread to achieve a similar result.
Is the butter in the pudding melted or softened?
The 1 tablespoon of butter used in the bread pudding mixture should be melted.
How much vanilla extract is used in total?
You will use 2 teaspoons total: 1 teaspoon in the pudding and 1 teaspoon in the sauce.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of water to create the sauce base.
What kind of texture does this bread pudding have?
It has a rich, custardy texture that is soft but firm to the touch.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a classic family recipe passed down through generations.