Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (2024)

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Never have I ever met anyone who doesn't love bread, so why not turn it into dessert!? This is the Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding recipe - you need only 8 ingredients and 15 minutes of active work to make this warm, comforting dessert. The bread pudding is soft, moist, perfectly balanced in flavor without being too sweet, and served with a delicious vanilla creme anglaise. Think French toast meet custard!

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (1)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (2)
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  • WHAT IS BREAD PUDDING?
  • INGREDIENTS NEEDED
  • HOW TO MAKE THE BEST EASY VANILLA BREAD PUDDING
  • FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • RELATED RECIPES
  • BEST EASY VANILLA BREAD PUDDING RECIPE

WHAT IS BREAD PUDDING?

Bread pudding is a classic comfort dessert made with old bread and custard, baked to golden perfection. The beauty of bread pudding lies in its versatility - you can enjoy it plain with vanilla, enrich with spices and raisins, or make other versions with chocolate, or fruits. It can be eaten on its own, or served with a vanilla sauce (creme anglaise), ice cream, cream, caramel sauce, etc. It is a great way to rescue stale bread and make a warm, comforting dessert!

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (3)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (4)

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

For this recipe, you need just 8 ingredients (quantities are provided in the recipe card at the end of this post):

  • Day old bread - I love using King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for this recipe. But if it is not sold where you live, get a loaf of brioche bread instead. I recommend using a bread loaf instead of sliced bread, as you can cut the bread into chunky cubes which will give the best texture. I leave the bread out overnight so they dry out a bit, which prevents the bread pudding from becoming too mushy.
  • Unsalted butter
  • Eggs
  • Egg yolks - these help make the custard more silky and rich; although I have minimized the ratio of just egg yolks to full eggs in this recipe so there's as little waste as possible
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla - I recommend using a vanilla bean paste for the best result
  • Optional: Salt (but I always like to add a pinch!)

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST EASY VANILLA BREAD PUDDING

Let's go over the method now. First, check out this short video:

Here's what you need to do:

1. Prepare the bread

Pre-heat your oven to 350F (conventional) and prepare a casserole dish (ceramic or glass baking pan) by brushing it generously with butter. I used a 7x11" rectangular pan, but you can use a different one around the same size.

Now take your day old bread and cut it into large cubes (about 1.5 to 2" each). Place the cubes inside your baking dish. I find that arranging them haphazardly works best! There's no need to remove the crust.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (5)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (6)

2. Prepare the vanilla custard sauce

We will also keep this super simple. Combine all the ingredients for the custard in a nonstick saucepan, and whisk thoroughly to break down the eggs. Place on the stove on medium-low heat, and stir constantly until the butter has fully melted.

Tip: It is important not to overcook this sauce! The temptation is always there to let the sauce thicken on the stove, but remember it will cook in the oven. We just need the butter to melt and all ingredients to combine. You don't even need to wait for the sauce to come to a boil. Overcooking will give your bread pudding a scrambled consistency.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (7)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (8)

3. Assemble and bake

We're almost done already! Now it is time to pour the custard sauce over the bread in the baking dish, trying to get all of the bread pieces covered. You want the bread to be thoroughly soaked, but the custard should not rise above the surface of the bread. Reserve about 1.5 to 2 cups of the sauce.

Press down gently on the bread to ensure it gets soaked, then transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for about 40 minutes - the bread pudding should take on a golden color, feel set but still have a wobble when you shake it.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (9)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (10)

4. Prepare the vanilla creme anglaise

Creme Anglaise is just a fancy term for a slightly less thick custard, and is great to serve with bread pudding. The fun little trick we have up our sleeve is we will use the leftover sauce from the bread pudding, which we set aside, to make the creme anglaise! Return the sauce to the stove on low heat, and stir constantly until the sauce starts to thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon, and if you run a finger through it, it should leave behind a clean line.

Do not overcook - this is not supposed to be as thick as custard! It will be a pourable consistency similar to cream.

Remove from heat and strain the sauce to remove any lumps. And tada! You have a vanilla creme anglaise ready.

5. Serve and enjoy!

That's it! You can pour some of the creme anglaise onto the bread pudding (or not), and dust with powdered sugar. Slice up the bread pudding while it is still warm, and serve with the creme anglaise.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (11)
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (12)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use fresh bread for bread pudding, or does it have to be stale?

While traditional recipes call for day-old or slightly stale bread to absorb the custard mixture better, fresh bread can be used. If using fresh bread, just toast it lightly in the oven until it feels like day old bread to achieve a similar texture.

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Experiment with various bread types like brioche, challah, or even croissants for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that denser bread may require a bit more time to absorb the custard.

Can I add different add ins?

Yes! You can spruce up this recipe in different ways. Add some cinnamon or other spices into the custard, add raisins or nuts, add chocolate chips - the world is your oyster.

How do I store leftover bread pudding?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave, but be mindful of the custard’s texture—reheating too long might dry it out. Enjoy within a few days for the best taste and texture.

Can I freeze vanilla bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze bread pudding! Ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its moisture and deliciousness.

What can I serve with vanilla bread pudding?

There are various accompaniments that complement vanilla bread pudding beautifully. Instead of the creme anglaise, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (13)

If you enjoy simple and indulgent desserts, you will also love these:

  • Hot Fudge Chocolate Pudding Cake
  • Easy Triple Berry Crumble With Oats
  • No Bake Chai Tres Leches Cake
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding For Two

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Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (18)

BEST EASY VANILLA BREAD PUDDING RECIPE

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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Zoha
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
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Description

A simple, warm and comforting vanilla bread pudding made with just 8 ingredients and 15 minutes of work, served with a delicious vanilla creme anglaise

Ingredients

  • 1 12-pack King's Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or 1 12oz loaf of Brioche bread), ideally dried out overnight
  • 3 tbsp butter + more for greasing the pan (45g)
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (480g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (165g)
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • Optional: pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350F, and brush butter in a 7x11" baking dish (ceramic or glass recommended)
  • Chop the King's Hawaiian Rolls (or the bread you are using) into large cubes (about 1.5-2" each), and arrange inside the baking dish
  • Combine the remaining ingredients in a nonstick saucepan, and whisk thoroughly to break down the eggs
  • Place the saucepan on the stove on medium low heat, and stir and cook until the butter has melted and mixed in. Do not cook any longer or wait for the custard to thicken, as it will continue to cook and thicken in the oven
  • Pour the sauce all over the bread inside the baking dish, getting all the pieces well-soaked, and save about 1.5 to 2 cups of the sauce for later. Gently press down on the bread to ensure there are no dry parts
  • Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The bread pudding should be a golden color, and set but slightly wobbly when shaken
  • In the meanwhile, return the remaining sauce to the stove on low heat. Cook and stir constantly for a few minutes until the sauce just starts to thicken up. Strain the sauce and you have a beautiful creme anglaise!
  • Pour some of the creme anglaise onto the bread pudding and dust with powdered sugar. Serve while it is still warm with the creme anglaise on the side

Notes

  • If you don't have day-old bread, cut it into cubes and place in the oven at 350F for just 3-5 minutes until it starts to become hard. It should not become golden or toasted!
  • Make sure not to overcook the sauce; you just need the butter to melt and mix in. Overcooking will give the bread pudding a scrambled egg like consistency
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding - BAKE WITH ZOHA (2024)

FAQs

Should bread pudding be refrigerated overnight before baking? ›

Refrigerate up to 24 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the plastic from the baking dish and bake the bread pudding for 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the milk mixture is set.

What are the three types of pudding? ›

Baked, steamed, and boiled puddings

These puddings are baked, steamed, or boiled. Depending on its ingredients, such a pudding may be served as a part of the main course or as a dessert.

Why does my bread and butter pudding taste eggy? ›

If you've fallen victim to this type of eggy result with your bread pudding, don't worry, there is an easy trick to help ensure it doesn't happen again. You simply need to beat the egg yolk and the whites until they are truly combined.

Why is my bread pudding mushy? ›

Stale bread will soak up the custard much more easily than fresh bread, which is key to getting the right consistency. If the bread doesn't soak up enough custard, the end result will be mushy. The solution is to use bread that has dried out a bit.

Should I freeze bread pudding before or after baking? ›

Yes, you can freeze bread pudding for up to three months. It's best to bake the bread pudding in a foil pan if you plan to freeze it. Allow it to cool, then wrap the whole thing tightly in a layer of storage wrap and at least one layer of foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

What is bread pudding sauce made of? ›

A traditional bread pudding sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients: milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cornstarch. Variations of vanilla bread pudding sauce includes rum sauce, bourbon sauce, caramel sauce and lemon sauce.

What do Brits call pudding? ›

The simple explanation is that Brits use the word 'pudding' to refer to dessert. If they are going to serve you an actual pudding they will specify the type of pudding – for example, sticky toffee pudding or rice pudding.

Is vanilla pudding the same as custard pudding? ›

While most custard and pudding recipes both typically call for eggs, the main difference is that pudding uses a starch for thickening, whereas custard's thickening agent is the egg itself (or egg yolk, in most instances). Custard's texture also tends to be firmer than pudding.

What is the most common pudding flavor? ›

The most common kind of pudding is chocolate. Some other kinds are vanilla, butterscotch, banana, and pistachio. Most pudding today is made out of milk, sugar, flavoring, and flour. Eggs can be used, too.

Should I cover my bread pudding when baking? ›

Before the inside of your pudding is set, the outer layer can become burnt and dry, which is why covering bread pudding during baking is the best move.

How can you tell when bread pudding is done? ›

Bake about 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Another way to judge whether the pudding is fully baked, is to gently press down on the center of the pudding. If any custard comes up to the top, the pudding needs to be baked a little longer.

Why does my bread pudding fall after I take it out of the oven? ›

Not allowing it to rest after baking

It is usual for bread pudding to somewhat collapse when it goes from the oven to the room temperature air, but you surely don't want to further contribute to it becoming flat. Therefore, don't dish it out too quickly.

Should bread pudding be wet in the middle? ›

One major problem that you may have come across is bread pudding that is just too wet. A good bread pudding needs to be moist -- it is made from custard, after all -- but it should not be anywhere close to runny.

Should bread pudding be jiggly? ›

Add the butter pieces overtop and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 375F (190C). Your bread pudding is done when the center is lightly jiggly and the surface is evenly browned.

How do you make pudding more solid? ›

If your pudding is too thin, you may thicken it by adding cornstarch. To properly thicken instant pudding with almond milk, but you don't want to use cornstarch, you need to add a quarter cup more of the powdered pudding mix than in the original recipe.

How long does it take pudding to harden in fridge? ›

Cover the surface of the pudding with a round piece of parchment and refrigerate until the pudding reaches 45 degrees F, approximately 2 hours.

How long can pudding sit out at room temp? ›

Homemade Pudding Freshness

Typically, it should be eaten within 4-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Freshness is best preserved by prompt refrigeration after cooking and cooling to room temperature, which should not exceed two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Does pudding need to set in the fridge? ›

Do I need to refrigerate the Jel and Pudding to set? No they both set outside the fridge – The jel will set in 60mins and the pudding will set in 5 minutes. We do suggest once set to place in the fridge to keep cold and fresh.

How do you store pudding overnight? ›

Store in Airtight Containers: Whether you're freezing or refrigerating, always use airtight containers to keep the moisture in and prevent freezer burn. Avoid Refrigeration for Extended Periods: If you refrigerate your pudding, do so for short durations, as refrigeration can dry it out over time.

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