Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Have you ever wondered why the simplest ingredients in your kitchen often make the most magical desserts? It is a strange mystery of cooking. You can take a loaf of old bread, some milk, and a few eggs and turn them into something that tastes like a five-star treat. This is the magic of Cinnamon Bread Pudding. It is a dish that has been around for hundreds of years. People made it because they did not want to waste food. Today, we make it because it is warm, sweet, and feels like a big hug in a bowl.

Overview of Cinnamon Bread Pudding

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This recipe is special because it turns “trash” into “treasure.” When bread gets old and hard, most people want to throw it away. But in this recipe, that hard bread is exactly what you need. It acts like a sponge. It soaks up a sweet, creamy custard and turns into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

This recipe is perfect for beginners. If you can crack an egg and stir a spoon, you can make this. It takes about 15 minutes to get everything ready. Then, you let the oven do the hard work for about 45 to 50 minutes. It is a low-stress way to make a fancy-looking dessert. It is great for a cold winter night, a holiday breakfast, or just a Tuesday when you want something sweet.

Essential Ingredients

To make a great Cinnamon Bread Pudding, you need a few basic things from your pantry.

The most important part is the bread. You want about 6 to 8 cups of cubed bread. It is best to use “sturdy” bread. This means bread like Brioche, Challah, or a French loaf. If you only have regular white sandwich bread, that works too. Just make sure it is a little bit stale. If your bread is fresh, you can toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes to dry them out.

Next, you need the liquid base. This recipe uses 4 large eggs and 2 cups of whole milk. If you want it to be extra rich, you can use 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. You will also need 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. For the flavor, you need 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Do not forget a pinch of salt. Salt actually makes the sugar taste sweeter.

For the Vanilla Sauce, you will need 1/2 cup of butter, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of sugar. You will also add another teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end.

If you want to try something different, you can use substitutions. You can use almond milk or oat milk if you do not drink dairy. You can use brown sugar instead of white sugar to give it a deeper, caramel flavor. If you do not have vanilla, you can use a little bit of almond extract.

Step by Step Instructions

First, you need to get your oven ready. Turn it on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This keeps the pudding from sticking to the sides.

Now, cut your bread into small cubes. They should be about one inch square. Put all the bread cubes into a large bowl. In a different bowl, whisk your eggs until they are smooth. Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the cinnamon is mixed in well.

Pour this liquid mixture over your bread cubes. Use a big spoon or your hands to gently toss the bread. You want every single piece of bread to be wet. Now, here is a secret tip: let it sit! Let the bread soak for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures the pudding is soft all the way through and not crunchy in the middle.

While the bread soaks, you can make the vanilla sauce. Put the butter, cream, and sugar in a small pot over medium heat. Stir it until the butter melts and the sugar is gone. Let it come to a very gentle boil for about 3 to 5 minutes. It will thicken up slightly. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Assembly and Presentation

Once the bread has finished soaking, pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so it is even. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and sugar on top if you want a sweet crust.

Put the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is golden brown and the middle does not wiggle too much when you shake the pan.

When you take it out, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the custard set. To serve, scoop a big portion into a bowl. Pour the warm vanilla sauce right over the top. If you want to make it look like it came from a restaurant, you can add a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is also a great idea. The cold ice cream with the hot bread pudding is a wonderful combination.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

One of the best things about Cinnamon Bread Pudding is that it stores very well. If you have leftovers, put them in a container with a lid. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat it, you can use the microwave for about 30 seconds. However, if you want it to taste fresh-baked, put it back in the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes. This helps the edges get a little bit crispy again.

You can also make this recipe ahead of time. You can put the bread and liquid together in the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just take it out and pop it in the oven. This makes it a perfect breakfast for a busy morning.

Recipe Variations

You can change this recipe in many fun ways. If you love fruit, add a cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the bread mixture. You can also add chopped apples. Apple and cinnamon go together perfectly.

For chocolate lovers, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips over the bread before you bake it. They will melt into the bread and make it very decadent.

If you want a crunchier texture, add some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before putting it in the oven. The nuts will toast while the pudding bakes. You can even use different types of bread like croissants or cinnamon rolls for a very rich version of this dessert.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Bread Pudding is a classic for a reason. It is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and tastes amazing. It proves that you do not need fancy tools or expensive food to make something your whole family will love. Do not be afraid to experiment with different breads or toppings. Cooking is about having fun and finding what tastes best to you. We hope you enjoy making this warm, cozy treat. It is time to go to the kitchen and turn that old bread into a masterpiece.

FAQs

Is Cinnamon Bread Pudding healthy?

While this is a dessert, it does have some benefits. Eggs provide protein, and milk gives you calcium. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can use whole wheat bread and reduce the amount of sugar. It is also a great way to avoid food waste, which is good for the planet.

Can I make this recipe quickly?

Yes! The actual work only takes about 15 minutes. The rest of the time is just waiting for the bread to soak and the oven to bake. It is a great “set it and forget it” dessert.

How do I know if I used enough bread?

The bread should be very wet, but there should not be a giant pool of liquid at the bottom of the bowl. If it looks like soup, add a little more bread. If the bread looks dry, add a splash of milk.

Can I freeze bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will last for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

What kind of cinnamon should I use?

Any ground cinnamon from the grocery store works great. If you want a very strong flavor, look for Saigon cinnamon. It is a bit spicier and very fragrant.

Why is my bread pudding soggy?

This usually happens if the oven was not hot enough or if it did not bake long enough. Make sure the center is firm to the touch before you take it out of the oven.

Can I make the vanilla sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce and keep it in a jar in the fridge. It will get thick when it is cold. Just warm it up in the microwave or on the stove when you are ready to eat.

What if I do not have a 9×13 inch pan?

You can use a smaller, deeper dish, but you may need to bake it for a little longer. Just keep an eye on the top so it does not burn.

Is this recipe good for kids?

Kids usually love this recipe because it is soft and sweet. Since the bread is broken into small pieces, it is very easy for them to eat. It is also a fun recipe for kids to help with because they can help tear up the bread.

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Yes, gluten-free bread works very well in this recipe. Since gluten-free bread is often a bit drier than regular bread, it actually soaks up the custard very well.