Delicious Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe for Cozy Treat

I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t adore bread, so why not transform it into a delightful dessert? This is the ultimate easy vanilla bread pudding recipe, requiring just 8 ingredients and only 15 minutes of hands-on time to create this cozy treat. The bread pudding is wonderfully soft and moist, with a perfectly balanced flavor not overly sweet and it’s paired with a luscious vanilla crème anglaise. Imagine the perfect blend of French toast and custard.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bread Pudding

Day-Old Bread: Using day-old bread ensures a sturdier texture and prevents the pudding from becoming overly soggy.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture, balancing the sweetness of the dish.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the bread set into a custard-like consistency.

Egg Yolks: Enhance the creaminess of the custard, making it richer and smoother.

Whole Milk: Serves as the base for the custard, adding moisture and a mild creaminess.

Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness, elevating the pudding’s texture and flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread pudding, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with aromatic, deep sweetness; vanilla bean paste offers the most robust flavor.

Optional Salt: A pinch of salt amplifies the sweetness and balances the flavors.

Directions to Make Vanilla Bread Pudding

Let’s make this easy vanilla bread pudding with easy-to-follow steps to satisfy your taste buds:

Prepare The Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (for conventional ovens) and get your casserole dish ready. Take a ceramic or glass baking pan and coat it well with butter. I opted for a 7×11″ rectangular dish, but feel free to choose another one of a similar size.

Take your day-old bread and chop it into big cubes, roughly 1.5 to 2 inches in size. Put the cubes into your baking dish. I’ve found that tossing them in without any specific order works really well! You can leave the crust on, no need to take it off.

Prepare The Vanilla Custard Sauce

Let’s make this really easy! Just mix all the custard ingredients in a nonstick saucepan and whisk well to ensure the eggs are fully blended. Then, set it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the butter is completely melted.

Assemble And Bake

We’re nearly there! It’s time to drizzle the custard sauce over the bread in the baking dish, making sure to cover all the pieces. Aim for the bread to be well-soaked, but keep the custard level just below the top of the bread. Set aside about 1.5 to 2 cups of the sauce.

Gently press down on the bread to help it soak up the mixture, then place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes; the bread pudding should turn a lovely golden hue, and feel firm, yet still have a slight jiggle when you give it a shake.

Prepare The Vanilla Creme Anglaise

Creme Anglaise is simply a more delicate version of custard, making it a perfect companion for bread pudding. Here’s a clever tip: we can repurpose the leftover sauce from the bread pudding to create the creme anglaise! Just place the reserved sauce back on the stove over low heat, stirring continuously until it begins to thicken. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and when you swipe your finger through it, it should leave a clear path.

Be careful not to overcook it; the consistency should be pourable, not as thick as custard! It should resemble cream.

Take it off the heat and strain the sauce to eliminate any lumps. And there you have it! Your vanilla crème anglaise is all set.

Serve And Enjoy Vanilla Bread Pudding

You’re all set! Feel free to drizzle some creme anglaise over the bread pudding if you like, and sprinkle it with powdered sugar. Cut the bread pudding into slices while it’s still warm, and enjoy it with the creme anglaise on the side.

What Is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a beloved comfort dessert crafted from stale bread and a creamy custard, baked until it reaches a lovely golden hue. What makes bread pudding so delightful is its adaptability; you can savor it simply with vanilla, enhance it with spices and raisins, or create variations featuring chocolate or fruits. It can be enjoyed by itself or paired with a luscious vanilla sauce (crème anglaise), ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, and more. It’s a fantastic way to transform leftover bread into a warm, satisfying treat.

Why Vanilla Bread Pudding Is The Ultimate Comfort Food?

Vanilla bread pudding is a timeless classic that warms the heart and soul. Its simple ingredients come together to create a rich, custardy dessert that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. The creamy texture paired with the subtle flavor of vanilla makes it the ultimate comfort food, especially on cold nights when you crave something soothing.

How to Choose the Best Bread for Vanilla Bread Pudding?

The type of bread you use can make or break your bread pudding. Opt for slightly stale, thick-cut bread like brioche, challah, or French bread for the best results. These types soak up the custard while maintaining their structure, giving you the perfect balance of soft and firm in each bite.

Toppings to Hoist Your Vanilla Bread Pudding

While vanilla bread pudding is delicious on its own, a good topping can take it to the next level. Drizzle it with a homemade vanilla or caramel sauce, or go for a scoop of ice cream to add a cool contrast to the warm dessert. A dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon is also a simple but elegant touch.

Try Out My Other Recipes!

Berry Chantilly Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Buns

No Bake Mango Cheesecake Cups

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of bread for vanilla bread pudding?

Yes, you can use most types of bread, but stale bread like brioche, challah, or French bread works best. These absorb the custard more effectively, giving you a better texture.

How long does bread pudding last in the fridge?

You can store bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy its fresh taste again.

Can I freeze vanilla bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze bread pudding. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.