Warm, comforting bread pudding made with soft bread soaked in a sweet, spiced custard, baked until golden, and served with a silky vanilla custard sauce. Perfect for using up leftover bread!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🔹 Bread Pudding
- 5–6 cups day-old bread (cubed) (brioche or challah works best)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
🔹 Vanilla Custard Sauce
- 1½ cups milk or cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🍳 Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease a baking dish
🔸 Step 2: Prepare Bread
- Place bread cubes in dish
- Sprinkle raisins if using
🔸 Step 3: Make Custard Base
- Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg
🔸 Step 4: Combine
- Pour mixture over bread
- Press gently so bread absorbs liquid
- Let sit 10–15 minutes
🔸 Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 40–45 minutes
- Top should be golden and set
🍮 Vanilla Custard Sauce
🔸 Step 6: Heat Milk
- Warm milk in saucepan (don’t boil)
🔸 Step 7: Mix Eggs
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt
🔸 Step 8: Temper
- Slowly add warm milk into egg mixture while whisking
🔸 Step 9: Cook
- Return to saucepan
- Cook on low, stirring constantly until thickened
🔸 Step 10: Finish
- Remove from heat
- Stir in vanilla
🔸 Step 11: Serve
- Pour warm custard sauce over bread pudding
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with extra sauce
- Add whipped cream or ice cream 🍨
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Use slightly stale bread for best texture
✔ Don’t skip soaking step
✔ Stir custard sauce constantly to avoid curdling
✔ Add a splash of rum or bourbon for depth
🔄 Variations
🍫 Chocolate Chip
Add chocolate chips
🍎 Apple Cinnamon
Add diced apples
🥥 Coconut
Use coconut milk
🍯 Caramel Drizzle
Top with caramel sauce
❓ FAQs
Why is my pudding dry?
Not enough liquid or overbaked.
Why is custard lumpy?
Heat too high—cook gently.
Can I make ahead?
Yes—reheat before serving.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300–380
- Carbs: ~40g
- Fat: ~12g
- Protein: ~8g