best bread pudding recipe

Craving something warm, comforting, and deliciously indulgent? Look no further than this classic bread pudding recipe.

This timeless dessert transforms simple French bread into a luxurious treat, combining rich custard with warm spices and a heavenly vanilla cream sauce.

Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.

Ingredients List

For the Pudding Base

• 1 16 oz loaf French bread
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Vanilla Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing this bread pudding, having the right kitchen tools will ensure success:

1. 9×13-inch Baking Dish: For even baking and perfect portions
2. Large Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and soaking bread
3. Whisk: For beating eggs and mixing the custard
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements
5. Saucepan: For preparing the vanilla cream sauce
6. Cutting Board: For cutting the bread into uniform pieces
7. Non-stick Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Bread Base

The foundation of a perfect bread pudding lies in how you prepare the bread and custard mixture. Follow these detailed steps for the best results:

1. Bread Preparation
   • Cut your French bread into uniform 1-2 inch cubes
   • Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl
   • Ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption
   • If using fresh bread, you can lightly toast it first
2. Making the Custard Base
   • In a separate large bowl, combine:
     • 5 beaten eggs
     • 1½ cups whole milk
     • 1½ cups heavy cream
     • 1 cup granulated sugar
     • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
   • Add your spices:
     • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
     • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
   • Whisk all ingredients until well combined and sugar is dissolved

The Soaking Process

The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in the soaking process:

1. Combining Bread and Custard
   • Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes
   • Gently stir to ensure all bread pieces are coated
   • Allow the mixture to rest for 20 minutes
   • Occasionally press down gently on the bread to encourage absorption
   • The bread should be fully saturated but not mushy
2. Pre-baking Preparation
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Generously coat your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
   • After soaking, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish
   • Spread the mixture evenly in the dish

Baking Process and Sauce Preparation

Baking Instructions

Proper baking is crucial for achieving the perfect bread pudding texture:

1. Baking Time and Temperature
   • Place the baking dish in preheated 350°F oven
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes
   • Look for these doneness indicators:
     • Top should be golden brown
     • Center should be set but still slightly jiggly
     • Knife inserted in center should come out clean
   • If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil
2. Testing for Doneness
   • Check at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking
   • Pudding should be firm but not dry
   • Internal temperature should reach 160°F
   • Allow slight wobble in center as it will set while cooling

Creating the Vanilla Cream Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare your luxurious vanilla cream sauce:

1. Initial Sauce Steps
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
     • 1 cup heavy cream
     • 1 tablespoon flour
     • ½ cup sugar
   • Ensure mixture is smooth with no flour lumps
2. Cooking the Sauce
   • Add 4 tablespoons butter
   • Heat over medium heat
   • Stir constantly until butter melts
   • Continue cooking until mixture comes to a boil
   • Whisk continuously until sauce thickens slightly
   • Remove from heat
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

Transform your bread pudding into an unforgettable dessert experience with these serving tips:

1. Temperature Options
   • Serve warm (recommended for best experience)
   • Room temperature is acceptable
   • Can be served chilled for a different texture
2. Presentation Ideas
   • Drizzle warm vanilla sauce over each portion
   • Add optional toppings:
     • Fresh berries
     • Whipped cream
     • Dusting of powdered sugar
     • Caramelized pecans
   • Garnish with fresh mint leaves for color

Storage Instructions

Keep your bread pudding fresh and delicious with proper storage:

1. Short-term Storage
   • Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil
   • Refrigerate for up to 5 days
   • Store sauce separately in airtight container
2. Reheating Guidelines
   • Individual portions:
     • Microwave for 30-45 seconds
     • Add splash of milk if needed for moisture
   • Whole pudding:
     • Cover with foil
     • Heat at 300°F for 15-20 minutes
   • Sauce:
     • Warm gently on stovetop
     • Add small amount of cream if too thick

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Bread Choice: Day-old bread works best as it absorbs more custard
• Make Ahead: Can be assembled night before and baked next day
• Customization: Add raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips for variation
• Texture Tip: Don’t skip the soaking time – it’s crucial for texture
• Sauce Storage: Sauce will thicken when chilled; thin with warm cream if needed

Conclusion

This classic bread pudding recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. The combination of custardy French bread, warm spices, and rich vanilla cream sauce creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

The key to success lies in the details – allowing proper soaking time, watching the baking process carefully, and serving with the luscious homemade sauce.

What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can serve it warm for a cozy winter evening, at room temperature for a delightful brunch addition, or even chilled for a refreshing summer treat.

The vanilla cream sauce elevates it from a simple bread pudding to a restaurant-worthy dessert that will impress family and friends alike.