Laura Vitale, a renowned chef and internet personality, is widely recognized for her delicious homemade recipes and instructional cooking videos. Among her fan-favorite desserts is her bread pudding, which combines comforting flavors with a touch of sweetness and warmth.
Made with basic pantry staples and a few pantry items, Laura’s bread pudding recipe can be easily recreated at home by home cooks of all levels. Whether you are in the mood for a delightful breakfast treat or a satisfying dessert, this recipe is perfect for satisfying those cravings. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to make Laura Vitale’s bread pudding and create a delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Gathering the ingredients
Bread pudding is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed by all ages. Making Laura Vitale bread pudding is one of the best options because it is simple and easy to prepare. The first step in making Laura Vitale bread pudding is to gather all the necessary ingredients. The ingredients required for making bread pudding are bread, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins.
When gathering the ingredients, it is important to ensure that all the ingredients are fresh and of high quality, especially the bread. You can use any bread of your choice, be it white, wheat, or sourdough. However, it’s important to keep in mind that using stale bread will give the pudding a better consistency. The eggs and milk should also be fresh and preferably organic. Lastly, try to get natural cinnamon and nutmeg extracts for a better taste. By gathering all the ingredients before starting, the process of making Laura Vitale bread pudding will be smooth and hassle-free.
Preparing the bread pudding mixture
To begin preparing the bread pudding mixture for Laura Vitale’s delicious recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients. This includes a loaf of Italian bread, heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Cut the bread into small cubes and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Next, add the bread cubes into the mixing bowl and let them soak up the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the bread is fully saturated before baking. Once the bread has soaked, pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir it in. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish with some cooking spray. Transfer the bread pudding mixture into the baking dish and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Once it’s done, allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.
Assembling the pudding
After preparing the bread and custard mixture, it’s time to assemble the pudding. Start by greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Then, place the bread cubes into the dish, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Next, pour the custard mixture over the bread, using a spatula to press down any floating bread pieces. Allow the bread to soak up the custard for about 10 minutes before topping it off with a final layer of bread cubes. Sprinkle a bit of sugar over the top for added sweetness and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.
Assembling the pudding may seem like a simple process, but it’s important to take your time to ensure each layer is prepared properly. This will not only result in a delicious dessert, but it will also ensure that each bite is perfectly moist and flavorful. So, follow the steps carefully, and soon you will have a beautiful Laura Vitale bread pudding to enjoy with your loved ones.
Baking the pudding to perfection
Baking the pudding is the final step in making the delicious Laura Vitale bread pudding. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a large baking dish. Ensure that your baking dish is big enough to hold all the pudding while leaving enough space for it to rise. Grease the dish lightly with butter or cooking spray so that the pudding doesn’t stick to the bottom or sides.
Gently pour the custard mixture into the baking dish over the bread cubes. Spread it evenly so that every layer gets enough moisture to bake. Once you have the custard mixture poured over the bread cubes, place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check the pudding by inserting a toothpick or fork in the center, and if it comes out clean, it’s done. Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the delicious and warm Laura Vitale bread pudding with vanilla sauce or whipped cream on top.
Creating a delicious sauce to accompany the pudding
Creating a delicious sauce to accompany the Laura Vitale bread pudding is an important step to enhance its flavor. One of the most popular sauces to serve with bread pudding is caramel sauce. To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Cook the mixture for around 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth. Take the pan off the heat and add vanilla extract. The sauce is now ready to pour over warm bread pudding.
Another great sauce option is a bourbon sauce. Mix butter, sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of bourbon in a saucepan over low heat, stirring the mixture until it thickens. Remove the pan from the heat, add vanilla extract, and let the sauce cool down for a few minutes. Drizzle the sauce on top of the Laura Vitale bread pudding, and serve it warm. Remember, if you prefer not to add alcohol to the sauce, you can skip the bourbon and still get a delicious caramel-like flavor.
Serving and garnishing the finished dessert
Serving Laura Vitale bread pudding is extremely simple. It’s best enjoyed while it’s still warm. You can top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy texture and balance out the sweetness. Some people also prefer to serve it with a drizzling of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
As far as garnishing goes, you can be creative with it. You can sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top to enhance the flavor profile, or add a few fresh berries to add some color and freshness to the dish. You can also dust some powdered sugar over the top for a classic and elegant look. Pair the bread pudding with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect ending to a delicious meal!
Storing and reheating any leftover pudding
Once your Laura Vitale bread pudding is prepared and enjoyed, you may have some leftovers to store for later consumption. To ensure that the pudding stays fresh, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The pudding can last in the fridge for up to three days, although its texture may change slightly over time.
When reheating the pudding, place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage. Alternatively, you can warm it up in the oven by preheating it to 325°F and placing the pudding in an oven-safe dish for 10 to 15 minutes. Just be sure to check that the pudding has been heated through before serving. With these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Laura Vitale bread pudding long after it’s been made.
Verdict
Making Laura Vitale bread pudding is an excellent way to turn plain bread into a delicious, comforting dessert. The homemade vanilla sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor, making it perfect for those with a sweet tooth. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it a great option for both experienced bakers and novice chefs looking to get into baking.
In conclusion, with just a few simple ingredients, a little bit of time, and a bit of patience, you can create a decadent and delicious bread pudding that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this dessert is perfect for any occasion and will quickly become a favorite among family and friends. So why not try it out today and discover just how delicious homemade Laura Vitale bread pudding can be!