Description
A comforting dessert featuring rich, buttery bread soaked in a custard mixture, baked to perfection and served with a warm vanilla sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups day-old bread (brioche, challah, or ciabatta)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (for sauce)
- Optional: raisins or fresh berries for topping
Instructions
- Tear the day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and let it sit out for an hour, or lightly toast in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine the torn bread with the custard mixture, ensuring all pieces are well-soaked. Let sit for 30 minutes, preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the soaked bread mixture. Sprinkle raisins or fresh berries on top if desired.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and slightly jiggly in the center.
- While baking, prepare the vanilla sauce by heating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until smooth (do not boil).
- Serve warm, drizzled with the warm vanilla sauce.
Notes
Choose the right bread for the best texture; brioche works wonderfully. Do not rush the soaking step; it’s crucial for absorption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: bread pudding, dessert, vanilla sauce, comfort food, classic recipes