Traditional Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce: A Classic Comfort Dessert

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Bread:
   • Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. If the bread is very fresh, consider toasting it lightly in the oven to dry it out slightly. This helps it absorb the custard mixture better.
3. Make the Custard:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
4. Combine Bread and Custard:
   • Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently fold the bread into the custard, ensuring each piece is well soaked. If you’re using raisins, fold them in now. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Bake the Bread Pudding:
   • Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should be set but still slightly soft.

Prepare the Vanilla Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Sugars:
   • Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir until the sugars are fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the Cream:
   • Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Vanilla:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The sauce should be rich and creamy.

Serve the Bread Pudding:

1. Drizzle with Vanilla Sauce:
   • Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of the vanilla sauce on top.
2. Garnish (Optional):
   • For an extra touch, garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding:

• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread works best for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• Customize the Flavors: Add a handful of chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the bread pudding for extra flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in both the pudding and the vanilla sauce.
• Make Ahead: Bread pudding can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently in the oven before serving. The vanilla sauce can also be made ahead and warmed up just before serving.