Delicious Homemade Bread Pudding with Raisins and Rich Vanilla Sauce

Looking for a comforting and indulgent dessert that’s simple to make and full of flavor? This Homemade Bread Pudding with Raisins and Rich Vanilla Sauce is the perfect choice. Soft, warm bread soaked in a spiced custard, complemented by sweet raisins and finished off with a velvety vanilla sauce—this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Let’s explore how to make this classic treat from scratch!

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups of day-old bread (cut into cubes)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cube the bread into small pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, ensuring the bread is well-soaked. Gently press down on the bread to make sure all the pieces absorb the liquid.
5. Sprinkle raisins evenly on top of the bread, and drizzle melted butter over the mixture for extra flavor.
6. Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Sauce

1. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, butter, and powdered sugar.
2. Stir over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Let the sauce cool slightly while the bread pudding finishes baking.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Spoon the warm bread pudding onto individual plates and drizzle generously with the rich vanilla sauce.
3. Garnish with extra raisins or a light dusting of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of this homemade dessert.

Pro Tips:

• For a richer flavor, try using a combination of whole milk and half-and-half in the custard mixture.
• You can make the bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next day to bake.
• For a more decadent twist, you can add a handful of chopped chocolate or caramel bits to the bread mixture before baking.

Conclusion:

This Homemade Bread Pudding with Raisins and Rich Vanilla Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s perfect for any time of the year, from holiday gatherings to casual dinners. The combination of soft, sweet bread and creamy vanilla sauce makes this dessert irresistible. Follow this easy recipe, and enjoy the delicious warmth and richness of homemade bread pudding that everyone will love!