Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Published: September 1, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor – The combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates a deep, satisfying taste.
Versatile Dish – Enjoy it warm as a dessert or cold for breakfast; it fits any meal!
Easy to Prepare – With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, anyone can make it effortlessly.
Customizable – Add your favorite fruits or spices to personalize each batch.
Perfect for Sharing – Serves 12 people, making it great for gatherings and celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish – Ensures even cooking and perfect texture throughout the pudding.
Mixing bowl – A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
Whisk – Helps achieve a smooth custard mixture by thoroughly blending eggs and liquids.
Measuring cups – Accurate measurements are crucial for the success of this recipe.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

16 oz loaf of French bread (454g)
3 ¾ cups whole milk
1 ½ cup heavy cream
7 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 ¼ cup sugar
Optional zest of 1/2 an orange

How to Make Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your custard bread pudding cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread into cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces to allow uniform soaking.
Place the bread cubes in your baking dish evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Custard Base

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well blended.
3. Gradually add the egg mixture to the milk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in your baking dish. If using, sprinkle in the optional orange zest for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30–40 minutes until set and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your custard bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Pair it with vanilla sauce or enjoy it as is!

How to Serve Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Serving custard bread pudding with vanilla sauce creates a delightful experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various toppings and accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

Classic Garnishes

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding.
Cinnamon Sprinkle: A dusting of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

Sauces and Drizzles

Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the pudding for added sweetness and richness.
Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate sauce makes for an indulgent treat.
Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote adds a fruity layer that balances the sweetness of the pudding.

Ice Cream Pairings

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that complements the dish’s flavors perfectly.
Coffee Ice Cream: For a unique twist, coffee ice cream provides an interesting flavor combination.

How to Perfect Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Perfecting your custard bread pudding requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a softer texture.
Soak Time Matters: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Monitor Baking Temperature: Bake at a low temperature to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
Check for Doneness: Insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean if cooked properly.

Best Side Dishes for Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Pairing side dishes with custard bread pudding enhances your meal experience. The right sides can complement its richness without overpowering it.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your meal.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pudding.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide earthy flavors that pair well with dessert.
Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and contrasts nicely with the soft pudding.
Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche offers a savory option that complements sweet dishes well.
Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide a savory touch alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making custard bread pudding, a few key mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how you can avoid them:

Using stale bread – Fresh bread absorbs the custard better. Use slightly stale bread or dry it out in the oven for better texture.
Skipping the soaking time – Make sure to let the bread absorb the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes. This ensures even consistency throughout.
Overbaking – Keep an eye on your pudding! Overbaking can result in a dry texture. Check for doneness a little early and remove it from the oven when it’s just set.
Not whisking eggs thoroughly – Inadequate mixing can leave clumps of egg in your pudding. Whisk eggs until fully blended for a smooth custard.
Neglecting to cover while baking – If your pudding is browning too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover custard bread pudding in an airtight container.
It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave – Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop – Add a small amount of milk or cream to a pan, heat on low, stirring gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making custard bread pudding:

What is Custard Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce?

Custard bread pudding is a dessert made from cubed bread soaked in a rich custard mixture and baked until golden. It’s often served with vanilla sauce for added sweetness.

Can I use different types of bread?

Yes! While French bread works well, any sturdy bread like challah or brioche can enhance flavor and texture.

How do I know when my custard bread pudding is done?

The pudding should be firm but slightly jiggly in the center when it’s finished baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and bake it just before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.

What are some ways to customize this recipe?

Feel free to add fruits like raisins or berries, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

This custard bread pudding with vanilla sauce is not only rich and creamy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different breads and add-ins based on your taste preferences. Give this delightful dessert a try—it’s sure to impress!

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