Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (use a sturdy bread like French or Italian)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Bread Pudding:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the egg mixture and gently stir to coat the bread. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
4. Pour the bread mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and drizzle the melted butter over the top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
6. For the Vanilla Sauce:
7. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
8. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
9. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

To Serve:

1. Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
2. Drizzle the warm vanilla sauce over each serving of bread pudding
3. Enjoy this Easy Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce as a comforting and delightful dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings in, and sure to become a favorite in your home!