Step 2: Make the Custard for the Pudding
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Heat until it’s just warm—do not boil. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the eggs until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. This gradual mixing prevents the eggs from curdling. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract and melted butter.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently fold until all the bread pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 15–20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard fully. The bread should be soft but not falling apart.
Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. For a slightly crispier top, you can broil for 2–3 minutes at the very end—just watch it carefully.
Step 5: Prepare the Homemade Custard Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, you can prepare the custard sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, cream, and sugar. Warm over medium heat until hot but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about half of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before cutting into squares or scooping into bowls. Serve warm, drizzled generously with your homemade custard sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle with cinnamon, powdered sugar, or even a few chocolate shavings.
Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding:
- Use day-old bread: Fresh bread can become too mushy; slightly stale bread holds the custard better.
- Don’t rush the soak: Letting the bread absorb the custard ensures each bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Experiment with add-ins: Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or a splash of bourbon can elevate your bread pudding.
- Custard consistency: Keep stirring your custard sauce—overheating can scramble the eggs.
This bread pudding with homemade custard sauce is the ultimate cozy dessert—warm, comforting, and luxuriously creamy. It’s a recipe that tastes far more complicated than it actually is, making it a perfect choice for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
If you want, I can also make a shorter, Instagram-friendly version of this recipe with a clean step-by-step format and mouthwatering presentation tips—it would be perfect for sharing online. Do you want me to do that?
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