This is the best bread pudding recipe and is the ultimate comfort dessert, with a smooth vanilla bean custard that soaks into rich, day-old bread. Warm spices and vanilla enhance the creamy texture, while a crisp, golden crust forms on top. Finished with a homemade creme anglaise sauce and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. This Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is the perfect comfort food dessert!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time55 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: best bread pudding, bread pudding, bread pudding with vanilla sauce
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and place in alarge mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
Pour egg-milk all over the bread, tossing it gently. Pour into greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in the microwave or heat in a saucepan until melted. Once the butter is melted, pour butter all over bread pudding.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes or until the bread pudding is a light golden brown color and firm.
Top with homemade vanilla sauce and serve with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
Vanilla Sauce for Bread Pudding Recipe (Creme Anglaise):https://www.modernhoney.com/vanilla-sauce-for-bread-pudding-creme-anglaise/What type of bread should I use in homemade bread pudding?
Brioche: Rich and buttery, it gives the pudding a luxurious texture.
Challah: Soft and slightly sweet, it balances custard flavors well.
French Bread: Crisp crust with a tender interior, great for holding up in custard.
Sourdough Bread: This is a hearty bread that holds up well. It is more tangy so you may want to add 2 Tablespoons more sugar to the custard.
Stale or day-old bread is best because it’s drier and can soak up more custard without becoming overly soft.