- **Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Ingredients**
- **Egg** (for binding)
- **Milk** (to keep the bread moist)
- **Vanilla Extract** (key flavoring for the sauce)
- **Cane Sugar** (sweetness in both pudding and sauce)
- **Heavy Cream** (richness in the vanilla sauce)
- **Bread Slices** (can be brioche, challah, or any type of bread; cut into cubes)
- **Granulated Sugar** (for caramelization if toasting)
- **Butter** (to add flavor and richness, melted for soaking bread and sauce)
- **Salt** (a pinch to enhance flavors)
- **Ground Cinnamon** (optional, for added warmth)
- **SEO Keywords**
- Best Bread Pudding Recipe
- Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
- Sweet Bread Pudding
- Traditional Bread Pudding Recipe
Steps
### Best Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Classic Dessert Recipe
Bread pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of bread and warm spices with a silky vanilla sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and served as a comforting end to your meal.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds scraped out
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for custard)
- Pinch of salt
#### Equipment:
- Large baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Oven mitts
- Ladle or spoon for sauce
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Preparation for Bread Pudding:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Butter the Dish**: Grease a large baking dish with butter.
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
#### Assembling the Bread Pudding:
4. **Coat the Bread Cubes**: Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle them with the dry spices.
5. **Create Custard Mixture**: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and remaining butter.
#### Layering:
6. **Layer the Bread in Baking Dish**: Arrange half of the bread cubes in an even layer on the prepared baking dish.
7. **Pour Custard Over Bread**: Pour about 1/2 cup of the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring it is evenly distributed and soaked in.
#### Repeat Layering:
8. **Add Second Layer**: Add another layer of bread cubes and pour the remaining custard over it.
9. **Cover with Remaining Bread**: Place any leftover bread on top to ensure all pieces are covered.
#### Bake:
10. **Bake at 350°F (175°C)**: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
11. **Check Doneness**: Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean if the pudding is done.
#### Vanilla Sauce Preparation:
While your bread pudding bakes, you can prepare the vanilla sauce. This enhances the flavors and ensures a smooth finish to your dessert.
12. **Combine Milk and Sugar**: In a small saucepan, combine 3 cups of milk or heavy cream with 1 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt.
13. **Heat Over Medium Heat**: Bring the mixture just to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
14. **Add Vanilla Extract and Seeds**: Stir in the vanilla extract and scraped vanilla bean seeds. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
#### Serving:
15. **Spoon Vanilla Sauce Over Pudding**: Once your bread pudding is done, let it cool slightly before slicing into portions.
16. **Serve with Sauce**: Ladle a generous amount of the vanilla sauce over each serving.
### SEO Keywords for Optimization:
- Best Bread Pudding
- Classic Dessert Recipe
- Vanilla Sauce
- French Bread Pudding
- Comfort Food Recipes
Enjoy your homemade bread pudding with vanilla sauce, and impress your guests with this classic dessert. Perfect for holidays or a cozy family dinner, it's sure to become a favorite!