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Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Place the cubed stale bread into the prepared baking dish. If using raisins or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the bread.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Bread and Custard
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Sauce
- While the bread pudding is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with the vanilla sauce and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven at a low temperature.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with flavors by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or even a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture for an adult twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity and flavor in every bite. This recipe is not just a way to use up leftover bread; it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Whether served at family gatherings or enjoyed on a quiet evening at home, this bread pudding is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. So grab some stale bread and get ready to whip up this classic dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy!