Creamy Bread Pudding with Velvety Custard Sauce: A Delicious Comfort Dessert

Bread pudding is a timeless dessert, and when topped with a velvety custard sauce, it transforms into a luxurious treat that everyone will enjoy. This creamy bread pudding is easy to make, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or indulging in a sweet treat, this dessert will surely delight your taste buds. Let’s explore how to make this comforting, decadent dish!

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups of cubed stale bread (brioche or French bread is ideal)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins or any dried fruit of your choice (optional)
• A pinch of salt

For the Custard Sauce:

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

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Bread Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
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 toss to coat, making sure the bread absorbs all the liquid. If you’re using raisins or dried fruit, mix them in as well.
4. Allow the bread to sit in the mixture for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
5. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. You can test it by inserting a knife into the center — it should come out clean.

Step 2: Make the Custard Sauce

1. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the custard sauce.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat.
3. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve each portion warm with a generous drizzle of the homemade custard sauce over the top. The combination of the creamy sauce and soft bread pudding is irresistible!

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:

• Use slightly stale bread, as it will absorb the custard mixture better and create a richer pudding texture.
• If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the custard mixture.
• For added texture, consider adding toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the filling for a crunchy contrast.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Bread Pudding with Velvety Custard Sauce is the ultimate comfort dessert. With its rich, silky sauce and soft, flavorful bread pudding base, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or enjoying a sweet treat with your family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and indulge in the perfect dessert that’s both comforting and decadent!