Vanilla Bread Pudding is a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. This easy vanilla bread pudding recipe combines soft, custardy bread with a rich vanilla flavor, topped with homemade creme anglaise. It’s the perfect dessert casserole, simple to make with just eight ingredients. Every bite of this creamy vanilla bread pudding transports you to a world of nostalgia and sweetness, making it a favorite for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Bread Pudding
This classic vanilla bread pudding recipe is not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. It’s an easy vanilla bread pudding with raisins, adding a chewy texture, or you might prefer a baked vanilla bread pudding with sauce drizzled on top for extra indulgence. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Quick and simple to prepare.
- Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Can be made with stale bread, minimizing waste.
- Endless variations, including chocolate chips and caramel.
- Great for meal prep or a last-minute dessert.
This vanilla custard pudding is a true American classic that fits any dietary needs, as it can easily be modified to suit vegan diets or preferences.
Ingredients for Vanilla Bread Pudding
Gather these items:
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (or 1 loaf brioche bread), day-old or toasted
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- Optional: Pinch of salt
How to Make Vanilla Bread Pudding Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11″ baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut the day-old bread into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes and arrange them in the greased baking dish.
- Step 3: In a nonstick saucepan, combine eggs, egg yolks, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heat over medium-low, whisking constantly until the butter has melted (about 5 minutes). Do not overcook.
- Step 4: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that each piece is soaked. Press the bread down gently to soak the custard evenly. Reserve about 1.5 to 2 cups of the custard sauce for later.
- Step 5: Bake the pudding for about 40 minutes, or until golden on top and set but still slightly wobbly when shaken.
- Step 6: For the vanilla crème anglaise, heat the reserved custard over low heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Strain to remove any lumps.
- Step 7: Serve the warm bread pudding with the vanilla crème anglaise and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Bread Pudding
Keep these in mind:
- Use day-old bread for the best texture.
- Let the pudding sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up.
- Experiment with different toppings like caramel or whipped cream for added flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Vanilla Bread Pudding
For a delightful experience, consider pairing your vanilla bread pudding with:
- Vanilla bread pudding with caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- Fresh berries or fruits to balance the sweetness.
How to Store and Reheat Vanilla Bread Pudding
After enjoying your vanilla bread pudding, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method retains the creamy texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Bread Pudding
What’s the secret to perfect Vanilla Bread Pudding?
The secret lies in using stale bread, which absorbs the custard mixture without becoming mushy. Additionally, letting it rest before serving enhances the flavors and texture.
Can I make Vanilla Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding mixture in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh before serving for the best results.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Vanilla Bread Pudding?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overbake it, as it should be slightly wobbly in the center when done. Also, make sure all bread pieces are soaked evenly in the custard.
Variations of Vanilla Bread Pudding You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Vanilla bread pudding without eggs for a lighter option.
- Vegan vanilla bread pudding recipes using almond milk and flax eggs.
- Easy vanilla bread pudding with raisins for added sweetness and texture.
- Vanilla bread pudding with chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Each variation can bring a new flavor to this classic dish while keeping the essence of the traditional vanilla bread pudding intact.

For more delicious recipes, check out last recipes or try cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option. You can also explore gingerbread cookies for a festive treat.
For additional tips on making the best bread pudding, consider visiting Serious Eats for expert advice.
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Delicious Vanilla Bread Pudding: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy vanilla bread pudding recipe combines soft, custardy bread with a rich vanilla flavor, topped with homemade creme anglaise. It’s the perfect comfort dessert, simple to make with just 8 ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls (or 1 loaf brioche bread), day-old or toasted
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- Optional: Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 7×11″ baking dish with butter and set aside.
- Cut the day-old bread into 1.5 to 2-inch cubes and arrange them in the greased baking dish.
- In a nonstick saucepan, combine eggs, egg yolks, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heat over medium-low, whisking constantly until the butter has melted (about 5 minutes). Do not overcook.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring that each piece is soaked. Press the bread down gently to soak the custard evenly. Reserve about 1.5 to 2 cups of the custard sauce for later.
- Bake the pudding for about 40 minutes, or until golden on top and set but still slightly wobbly when shaken.
- For the vanilla creme anglaise, heat the reserved custard over low heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Strain to remove any lumps.
- Serve the warm bread pudding with the vanilla creme anglaise and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Vanilla Bread Pudding, Bread Pudding, Dessert, Comfort Food









