Nothing says comfort food like a warm and cozy bread pudding. This classic dessert is a favorite for many, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and texture that satisfies the soul. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening or a decadent treat to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please.
Introduction
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with simple ingredients like bread, milk, eggs, and sugar, it’s a humble yet indulgent dish that warms the heart with every bite. In this recipe, we’ll take the classic bread pudding up a notch by baking it in a casserole dish and serving it with a luscious vanilla sauce. The result is a heavenly dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Pudding
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the bowl and toss until all the bread cubes are evenly coated with the milk mixture.
- If using raisins, fold them into the bread mixture.
- Pour the melted butter over the bread mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Bread Pudding
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Step 3: Make the Vanilla Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and brown sugar.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the warm bread pudding in individual bowls, drizzled with the homemade vanilla sauce.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Bread Variations: Feel free to use any type of bread you prefer for this recipe, such as French bread, brioche, or challah. Stale or day-old bread works best as it will soak up the custard mixture more effectively.
- Flavor Additions: Get creative with your bread pudding by adding in different ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or even a splash of rum or bourbon for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread? A: While day-old bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard mixture more readily, you can use fresh bread if that’s all you have available. To dry out fresh bread, you can toast it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until slightly crispy.
Q: Can I make the bread pudding ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if baking the pudding straight from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I omit the raisins from the bread pudding? A: Yes, you can omit the raisins if you prefer or substitute them with other dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of bread cubes to reduce the carb content. Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. For the vanilla sauce, use heavy cream, butter, and a keto sweetener to create a low-carb alternative.
Bread pudding is a classic dessert that never fails to delight with its comforting flavors and creamy texture. This Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce recipe takes the traditional dessert to new heights with its rich and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of warm and delicious bread pudding today!
