Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 slicesstale bread (cubed - The foundation of the dish, stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully, providing the desired texture.)
- 4large eggs - Acts as a binding agent that adds richness and helps set the pudding.
- 2 cupsmilk - Provides creaminess and moisture (integral for a smooth custard.)
- ½ cupgranulated sugar - Adds sweetness to the pudding (balancing the flavors.)
- 1 tspvanilla extract - Infuses the pudding with a delightful aroma and flavor.
- ½ tspground cinnamon - Offers a warm spice note that complements the sweetness of the pudding.
- ¼ tspsalt - Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- —Butter - Used for greasing the baking dish (helps the pudding achieve a lovely golden crust.)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- 2
Prepare the Bread: Take 8 slices of stale bread and cut them into cubes, then evenly spread the cubes in the greased baking dish.
- 3
Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- 4
Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring that all pieces are well-soaked.
- 5
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slightly when touched.
- 6
Prepare Vanilla Sauce (Optional): While the pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce by heating 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- 7
Serve: Once baked, let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving warm. Drizzle the vanilla sauce over each serving or serve it on the side for guests to add as desired.