Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Recipe
Indulge in the creamy delight of Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce, a dessert that beautifully marries the comforting texture of bread with a rich custard base. Perfect for cozy family breakfasts or festive gatherings, this dish features a golden crust and a soft, custardy center. Enhanced by a luscious vanilla sauce, it combines just the right touch of sweetness. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite fruits or nuts, this recipe offers a satisfying and elegant dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz loaf of French bread
- 3 ¾ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 7 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
Optional Ingredients
- Zest of ½ an orange
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's at the perfect temperature for baking the pudding evenly.
- Prepare Bread: Cut the French bread into one-inch cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl, ready to absorb the custard mixture.
- Mix Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes gently folding it until all bread pieces are thoroughly soaked, ensuring the custard penetrates every cube.
- Add Orange Zest: If using, add the zest of half an orange and gently mix again to incorporate a subtle citrus aroma.
- Transfer and Bake: Grease a baking dish and transfer the soaked bread mixture into it, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about two hours until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving warm, drizzled generously with vanilla sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale French bread for better absorption and texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding raisins, nuts, or dried fruits.
- The baking time may vary depending on your oven; check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
- Vanilla sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
