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Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe (Soft, Custardy & Comforting)
There is something deeply comforting about a warm, homemade bread pudding fresh from the oven. This Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is the perfect blend of soft custard, golden edges, and rich vanilla flavor, making it a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you are using leftover bread or baking a cozy dessert from scratch, this classic recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious treat.
Bread pudding has been cherished for generations because of its simplicity, affordability, and incredible flavor. With just a few pantry staples like bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, you can create a dessert that is creamy on the inside and lightly crisp on top. This easy vanilla bread pudding recipe is beginner-friendly, foolproof, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding
This recipe stands out because it focuses on pure vanilla comfort without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It is ideal for home bakers who want a reliable and delicious dessert with minimal effort.
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect way to use stale bread
- Soft custard texture with golden top
- Rich vanilla flavor in every bite
- Easy to customize with toppings and add-ins
It is the kind of dessert that feels homemade, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.
What Is Vanilla Bread Pudding?
Vanilla bread pudding is a baked custard dessert made by soaking bread cubes in a sweet mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. As it bakes, the bread absorbs the custard, creating a soft, creamy interior while the top becomes lightly golden and slightly crisp.
This classic dessert originated as a way to reduce food waste by using leftover bread, but it has since evolved into a beloved comfort dessert served in homes and bakeries worldwide.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread (cubed, brioche or white bread works best)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for serving, optional)
Optional Vanilla Sauce
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cut the bread into evenly sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
- Gently press the bread down with a spoon so it fully absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor and softness.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
- For the optional vanilla sauce, heat milk, sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla and drizzle over warm pudding.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar or extra vanilla sauce for the ultimate comforting dessert experience.
Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding
A soft and custardy vanilla bread pudding with golden edges and rich comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Place cubed bread in a large bowl.
- Whisk milk, cream, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour custard over bread and let soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with sauce or powdered sugar.
Notes
For best results, use slightly stale bread and allow enough soaking time for a creamy custard texture.
Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding Texture
Use Day-Old Bread
Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a richer and more cohesive texture.
Don’t Skip the Soaking Time
Allowing the bread to soak for at least 10–15 minutes ensures every cube becomes soft and flavorful.
Balance the Custard Ratio
The perfect bread pudding should be moist but not soggy. Using both milk and cream creates the ideal custard consistency.
Bake Until Just Set
Overbaking can make the pudding dry. The center should be soft and custardy when you remove it from the oven.
Best Types of Bread to Use
Different breads create different textures and flavors:
- Brioche: Rich, buttery, and soft
- Challah: Slightly sweet and fluffy
- French bread: Classic and sturdy
- White sandwich bread: Budget-friendly and soft
- Croissants: Extra indulgent and flaky
Avoid very dense or heavily seeded breads, as they may not absorb the custard evenly.
Delicious Variations to Try
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding
Add ½ cup raisins and extra cinnamon for a warm, spiced twist.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Mix in ½ cup chocolate chips for a dessert that kids and adults both love.
Caramel Vanilla Bread Pudding
Drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding before baking for a rich caramelized finish.
Apple Vanilla Bread Pudding
Fold in diced apples for a fruity and slightly tart variation that pairs beautifully with vanilla custard.
Serving Suggestions
This easy vanilla bread pudding is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple delicious ways:
- Warm with vanilla sauce or custard
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzled with caramel or maple syrup
- Topped with whipped cream
- Sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon
For an elegant presentation, serve it in individual ramekins with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of warm sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze bread pudding for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much liquid (results in soggy pudding)
- Skipping the resting time after mixing
- Baking at too high temperature
- Using very fresh bread that doesn’t absorb custard well
Avoiding these mistakes will guarantee a perfectly soft and flavorful pudding every time.
Why This Is the Best Easy Bread Pudding Recipe
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The balance of milk, cream, eggs, and vanilla creates a luxurious custard base, while the baking method ensures a soft center and lightly crisp top.
Unlike complicated dessert recipes, this bread pudding requires minimal prep, basic ingredients, and straightforward steps, making it ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Vanilla Bread Pudding
This comforting dessert is perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Holiday gatherings
- Weekend baking
- Potluck desserts
- Cozy winter evenings
Its warm, nostalgic flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser that fits both casual and festive occasions.
Final Thoughts
The Best Easy Vanilla Bread Pudding Recipe is a timeless dessert that turns simple ingredients into something truly comforting and delicious. With its creamy custard base, soft texture, and rich vanilla aroma, it delivers everything you want in a homemade classic dessert.
Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable, this vanilla bread pudding is the perfect recipe to keep in your dessert collection. Once you try it warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce, you will understand why this classic treat has remained a favorite for generations.