Vanilla-infused Bread Pudding with Decadent Vanilla Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 60-70 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup raisins (optional)

For the Vanilla Sauce:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a casserole dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well blended.
3. Add the bread cubes to the mixture, stirring gently to coat them completely. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
4. If using raisins, fold them into the bread mixture.
5. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir to distribute it evenly.
6. Transfer the bread mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and brown sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the tablespoon of vanilla extract.
9. Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, drizzled with the decadent vanilla sauce.

Enjoy your delightful Vanilla-infused Bread Pudding with Decadent Vanilla Sauce.