Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Ingredients
- 500g (about 6 cups) day-old bread, cubed (preferably French or Challah)
- 960ml (4 cups) whole milk
- 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- 5g (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
- 2g (1/2 tsp) ground nutmeg
- 60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Sauce Ingredients
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease the baking dish thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard
Place the cubed bread into the greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that all pieces are well coated. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to let the bread soak up the custard.
Step 4: Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, make the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cream and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture comes to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until warmed. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the tempered mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Strain the sauce through a strainer to remove any egg solids.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut into squares and generously drizzle with warm vanilla sauce before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation while it’s warm!
Conclusion
Bravo, you’ve crafted a divine Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce that showcases the beautiful transformation of humble ingredients into a luscious dessert. This dish, with its creamy texture and aromatic spices, is perfect for any occasion, whether a casual gathering or a formal celebration. The balance between the rich bread pudding and the silky vanilla sauce is simply irresistible. Enjoy this sumptuous treat with friends and family and relish each delightful bite!
