Heavenly Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce: A Timeless Comfort Dessert
Delight in the comforting flavors of our Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce recipe! This classic dessert combines soft, custardy bread infused with warm spices and sweet raisins, topped with a luscious vanilla sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a special occasion, this bread pudding is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce!
Introduction
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, and for good reason. It’s comforting, versatile, and a delicious way to use up leftover bread. Our Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce takes this classic dessert to the next level with its rich, custardy texture and decadent vanilla sauce. Whether served warm or chilled, this dessert is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
For the Vanilla Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare Bread: Place the cubed day-old bread in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and melted butter until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the cubed bread and gently toss until all the bread is evenly coated. If using, fold in the raisins.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and golden brown on top.
- Make Vanilla Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the warm bread pudding in individual bowls, drizzled generously with the vanilla sauce. Enjoy the comforting flavors and decadent texture!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Bread Variation: Experiment with different types of bread for unique flavor and texture variations. Brioche, challah, or French bread are all excellent choices.
- Add-Ins: Customize your bread pudding by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the mixture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the bread pudding with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread? A: While day-old bread works best for bread pudding, you can use fresh bread if you prefer. Simply toast the bread cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out slightly before using.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding and vanilla sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the bread pudding in the oven before serving, and warm the vanilla sauce on the stove.
Q: Can I omit the raisins from the recipe? A: Yes, the raisins are optional. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer or substitute them with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Q: Can I use a different sauce for serving? A: Absolutely! While the vanilla sauce is delicious, you can also serve the bread pudding with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:
- Bread Substitute: Replace the bread cubes with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb version of bread pudding.
- Sweetener: Use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia in place of granulated sugar in both the bread pudding and vanilla sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Replace the sugar in the vanilla sauce with a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder.
Treat yourself to the comforting flavors of our Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce. With its rich, custardy texture, warm spices, and decadent vanilla sauce, this dessert is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a cozy treat on a chilly evening or served as a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, this bread pudding is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the irresistible goodness of Bread Pudding in Casserole with Vanilla Sauce!
