Bread Pudding Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sauce is incredibly simple to make yet tastes indulgent. The buttery richness paired with vanilla creates the perfect balance of flavors, making bread pudding (or any dessert) feel extra special. It’s versatile too you can drizzle it over cakes, pancakes, or even fresh fruit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 cup butter (use real butter, not margarine)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (not fat-free)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2–2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/8–1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or flaky sea salt (to balance sweetness)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the cream and sugar, whisking until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and salt if using).
5. Let cool slightly before pouring over warm bread pudding.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce, enough for 8–10 servings of bread pudding. Prep time is 5 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes, for a total of 15 minutes.

Variations

• Replace vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Stir in a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a caramel-like sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the smooth texture. This sauce does not freeze well.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat before serving.

Will the sauce thicken as it cools?

Yes, it will thicken slightly. Reheat and stir to loosen before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely just use a larger saucepan to prevent overflow.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with vegan butter and full-fat coconut cream, though the flavor will be different.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly to prevent the cream from separating.

Is this the same as custard sauce?

No, custard sauce (crème anglaise) uses egg yolks, while this sauce is butter- and cream-based.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can use 3/4 cup sugar for a less sweet sauce without affecting texture too much.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.

Can I use salted butter instead?

Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt.

How long does the sauce last?

Up to 5 days refrigerated, reheated as needed.

Conclusion

Bread Pudding Sauce is a simple yet indulgent recipe that transforms bread pudding into a decadent dessert. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have a creamy, buttery sauce that enhances any sweet treat. Whether enjoyed plain or with a splash of liqueur, this sauce is a classic finishing touch worth making.

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