This Classic Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert — warm, rich, and filled with old-fashioned flavor. Tender cubes of bread soak up a sweet, custardy mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then bake until golden and slightly crisp on top. The crowning touch? A silky, homemade vanilla sauce poured generously over each serving.

Perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or any time you crave a cozy, nostalgic treat. ❤️

🍮 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Simple, classic ingredients you probably already have
✅ Warm and comforting — like a hug in dessert form
✅ Customizable with raisins, nuts, or even chocolate chips
✅ Creamy vanilla sauce that takes it to the next level
✅ Perfect use for leftover bread

🥖 Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah work best)
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

4 large eggs
¾ cup sugar (or ½ cup maple syrup for a natural sweetness)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Creamy Vanilla Sauce:

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole.

Place the cubed bread into the dish. If the bread isn’t stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes to dry them out slightly.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly with a spoon to ensure every piece is soaked. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Sprinkle with raisins or nuts if using, then drizzle with melted butter.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding

Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
A knife inserted should come out mostly clean but slightly moist.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Vanilla Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce.

In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.

Serve warm — the sauce should be silky, smooth, and lightly sweet with a rich vanilla aroma.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls or dessert plates.
Drizzle generously with Creamy Vanilla Sauce, and if desired, top with:

A sprinkle of cinnamon
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream

🍯 Variations

🍫 Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add chocolate chips or drizzle with chocolate sauce.
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Fold in diced apples and extra cinnamon.
🥥 Coconut Bread Pudding: Replace some milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut.
🍇 Rum-Raisin Bread Pudding: Soak raisins in a bit of rum before adding to the mixture.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Freeze: Bread pudding freezes well for up to 2 months (without sauce).

💡 Tips for Success

💛 Use day-old bread so it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
💛 Let the bread soak long enough to absorb flavor (10–15 minutes minimum).
💛 Serve warm — that’s when it’s the most comforting!
💛 Don’t skip the vanilla sauce — it’s the heart of this dessert.

🍰 Final Thoughts

This Classic Comfort Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce is a timeless dessert that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The warm, custardy bread paired with smooth, fragrant vanilla sauce creates pure comfort in every bite.

It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any cozy night in. ❤️

🍞 Classic Comfort: Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the bread pudding:
• 6 cups stale bread, cubed (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil (for greasing)
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or plant-based)
• ½ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ cup raisins or chopped pecans

For the creamy vanilla sauce:
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with butter.
Place bread cubes in the dish.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. Pour over bread. Press down gently to soak. Let sit 10–15 minutes.

Bake 40–45 minutes, until puffed and golden. A knife should come out clean.
While pudding bakes, make the sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
Serve bread pudding warm, drizzled generously with hot vanilla sauce.

✨ Perfect for:
• Holiday desserts
• Cozy winter nights
• Using up leftover bread

💡 Make ahead: Assemble unbaked pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when ready.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 45 mins , Total Time : 1 hr , Servings : 6 , Calories : 320 per serving , Net Carbs: 36g , Fats: 16g , Protein: 8g