Description
A classic, comforting dessert made with cubes of day-old bread soaked in a spiced custard, baked until golden, and served with a rich homemade vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press down slightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
- Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- While baking, make the vanilla sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sugar and cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in vanilla extract. For a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add it to the pan, simmering until thickened.
- Remove the pudding from the oven and cool slightly. Serve warm with vanilla sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for best custard absorption.
- Let the pudding rest before baking to avoid sogginess.
- The vanilla sauce thickens more as it cools.
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh the next day.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
