Description
A rich, silky custard-based dessert made with brioche or challah bread and topped with a creamy, homemade vanilla sauce. This easy-to-make recipe uses pantry staples and is perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 cups brioche or challah bread, torn into 1-inch pieces
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Tear bread into 1-inch pieces and place in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If bread is fresh, toast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to dry slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs until lightly beaten.
- Add sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to eggs. Whisk vigorously until sugar is dissolved.
- Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking to create a smooth custard base.
- Pour custard evenly over the bread. Press down gently to ensure bread is submerged. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until top is golden brown and center is set but jiggles slightly.
- While pudding bakes, make the sauce: Heat cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Whisk in cornstarch slurry, butter, and vanilla. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened and glossy (2-3 minutes).
- Let pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving. Spoon warm vanilla sauce over portions.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best results as it absorbs custard without becoming mushy. Do not rush the 30-minute soaking time. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. The pudding is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with sauce
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: bread pudding, vanilla sauce, brioche, dessert, comfort food, easy recipe, brunch, custard