Decadent Bread Pudding: Vanilla Ice Cream & Caramel

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When it comes to comfort food desserts, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic bread pudding. Warm, custardy, and satisfying, this timeless treat is beloved for its ability to transform leftover bread into a decadent dessert. Paired with creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, bread pudding goes from simple to indulgent in no time.

Bread pudding is a dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Traditionally made with day-old bread, it's a wonderful way to avoid food waste while creating something special. The magic of bread pudding lies in its simplicity: bread cubes soak up a custard-like mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, resulting in a dish that is both rich and comforting. And when you add a scoop of ice cream and caramel sauce, each bite becomes a heavenly combination of warm and cold, creamy and sweet.

This bread pudding recipe takes the classic approach and elevates it with the addition of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of smooth caramel sauce. It's the perfect dessert for cozy evenings, special gatherings, or anytime you want a little extra sweetness in your life.

Recipe: Bread Pudding with Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed bread (day-old preferred)
• 2 cups milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread to the mixture, stirring gently to ensure each piece is soaked. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

The contrast between the warm bread pudding and the cold, creamy ice cream is pure perfection. And the caramel sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness, enhancing the cinnamon and vanilla flavors in the pudding. Whether you use store-bought caramel or make your own, the result is a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food, offering a nostalgic feel with a modern twist. The combination of soft, custardy bread with the rich flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel is irresistible. Paired with ice cream, it becomes an unforgettable dessert that feels both classic and indulgent. Serve it for dessert after a family dinner, or bring it to a gathering—either way, it's bound to be a hit.

For your bread pudding recipe with ice cream and caramel sauce, I found some excellent references to guide you through different variations and tips for making this dessert even more delicious.

1. RecipeTeacher provides a simple, classic bread pudding recipe that includes a rich homemade caramel sauce. Their version uses ingredients like brioche or challah bread and a combination of butter, sugar, and heavy cream for the caramel. They also offer tips on how to avoid sugar crystallization when making caramel​(RecipeTeacher).
2. AllRecipes offers another version that highlights the flexibility of bread pudding, suggesting the use of Italian bread and adding a dash of rum for extra depth of flavor in the caramel sauce​(Allrecipes).
3. Marley's Menu emphasizes the versatility of the dish, mentioning that you can add different ingredients like dried fruits or nuts to customize your bread pudding. They also highlight how caramel sauce can be paired with more than just bread pudding, serving it with ice cream or even popcorn​(Marley's Menu).
4. House of Nash Eats gives detailed instructions on making caramel sauce, suggesting using half-and-half or heavy cream for extra richness. They also recommend letting the bread soak in the custard for a few hours to ensure a perfectly creamy texture​(House of Nash Eats).

With these sources, you can confidently prepare your bread pudding, tweak it to your liking, and impress your guests with a delightful dessert.