Deliciously Easy Bread Pudding with Sweet Custard Sauce: A Comforting Treat

Deliciously Easy Bread Pudding with Sweet Custard Sauce: A Comforting Treat

Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert, this Bread Pudding with Sweet Custard Sauce is the perfect recipe to try! It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a delightful way to use up stale bread. The crispy edges of the bread combined with the creamy custard sauce create a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it as a special treat, this bread pudding will be a hit!


Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

  • 6 slices of day-old bread (preferably brioche, challah, or French bread)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Sweet Custard Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Pudding

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cube the Bread: Cut the day-old bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Pour the Custard over the Bread: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it absorbs the custard.
  5. Let It Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for about 15 minutes while you prepare the custard sauce.

Step 2: Bake the Bread Pudding

  1. Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. The pudding should have a crispy exterior and a soft, custardy interior.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Custard Sauce

  1. Heat the Cream and Milk: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Stir occasionally and heat until it’s just about to simmer, but not boiling.
  2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and smooth.
  3. Temper the Eggs: Gradually add the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg yolks while constantly whisking to avoid curdling the eggs.
  4. Cook the Custard Sauce: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the custard through a fine sieve to ensure smoothness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the Bread Pudding: Once the bread pudding is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Drizzle the Sweet Custard Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of the warm custard sauce over each serving of bread pudding.
  3. Garnish: Optionally, top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Tips and Variations

  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the bread pudding mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day for an easy and quick dessert.
  • Add-ins: Feel free to add dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), nuts (pecans, walnuts), or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water), use coconut milk, and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative to make a vegan-friendly version.

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding

  • Comforting Dessert: This bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food. The soft, custardy texture paired with the crispy golden edges makes every bite irresistible.
  • Versatile: It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like fruits or nuts, and it can be served with or without the custard sauce.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this dessert will definitely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Conclusion

This Bread Pudding with Sweet Custard Sauce is the perfect combination of crispy and creamy, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Easy to make, versatile, and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade bread pudding!

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