Indulgent Bread Pudding with Creamy Custard Sauce: The Ultimate Dessert Delight

Looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting? This rich and indulgent bread pudding with a creamy custard sauce is the perfect treat for any occasion. With soft, fluffy bread soaked in a luscious custard and topped with a silky sauce, every bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special gathering, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups of cubed day-old bread (brioche or challah is perfect)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Custard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add the cubed bread to the bowl and stir until the bread is fully soaked in the custard mixture. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread absorbs all the flavors. If using raisins or dried fruits, stir them in as well.
4. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden on top and set in the middle. You can test this by inserting a knife into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Sauce

1. While the bread pudding is baking, make the custard sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Lower the heat and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
2. Cut it into squares and drizzle generously with the homemade custard sauce for an indulgent treat.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding:

• Stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard mixture, resulting in a softer, more flavorful pudding. If your bread is fresh, simply leave it out for a few hours to dry out.
• For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a handful of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch.
• If you like your bread pudding to have a bit more richness, substitute half-and-half for the milk, or use all heavy cream.

Conclusion:

This Indulgent Bread Pudding with Creamy Custard Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert that combines the perfect balance of soft, moist bread with a silky, velvety sauce. Whether served at a family gathering, holiday celebration, or just as a sweet treat, this recipe will definitely be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and treat yourself to a slice of indulgent heaven!