Nordstrom Bread Pudding Recipe: Vanilla Bean Custard With Caramel Drizzle

This bread pudding delivers restaurant-quality results with a vanilla bean custard that’s rich yet balanced. The caramel drizzle adds a luxurious finish that elevates every bite.

Using day-old bread and a simple custard mixture, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dessert. The vanilla bean and caramel create a perfect sweetness that lingers.

Ingredients for Nordstrom Bread Pudding

Restaurant-quality dessert starts with day-old bread and a handful of pantry staples.

The bread is critical here. French bread or brioche works best—avoid soft sandwich loaves. Day-old is ideal (the good stuff, not the pre-sliced kind), but fresh bread can be lightly toasted to dry it out. For vanilla, Nielsen-Massey beans are worth the splurge, but Rodelle extract is a solid backup. Most supermarkets carry both, but Whole Foods has the best selection.

No vanilla bean? Double the extract (2 tsp total) works fine. Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots. The custard base is forgiving—2% milk in a pinch, but full-fat dairy gives that luxurious texture. For extra richness, replace half the milk with sweetened condensed milk (don’t skip this part).

Bread pudding keeps 4-5 days refrigerated—reheat portions in the microwave. The caramel can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently. Freezes beautifully for 3 months, though the texture softens slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Bean Bread Pudding With Caramel Drizzle

This method ensures a rich, custardy texture with a perfectly caramelized topping every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Custard Base

Cut the day-old French bread into 1-inch cubes—you should have about 8 cups. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better without turning mushy. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast at 300°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly dried but not browned.

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, 4 whole large eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Split the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture, and add the pod for extra flavor.

Step 2: Combine and Soak the Bread

Place the toasted bread cubes in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Scatter the 0.5 cup raisins evenly over the bread if using. Pour the custard mixture over the top, pressing down gently to ensure all cubes are submerged. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes at room temperature.

This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, preventing a soggy bottom layer. The custard should look nearly gone when you tilt the dish slightly. For deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate overnight.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Set

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the bread pudding for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set with just a slight jiggle. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. The edges should pull slightly away from the dish, and the custard should have a creamy, not liquid, consistency. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before adding the caramel.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Drizzle

While the pudding bakes, melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the 0.5 cup brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly—it will thicken as it cools.

Drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the bread pudding just before serving. The contrast of the warm, gooey caramel with the creamy custard and soft bread is what makes this dish exceptional. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Flavor Customization for nordstrom bread pudding

Spiced Rum Infusion

Add 2 tbsp spiced rum to the custard mixture for a warm, boozy depth that pairs beautifully with the vanilla. I use Captain Morgan for its caramel notes, but any dark rum works. This is my go-to for holiday gatherings. 🍹

Chocolate Chip Twist

Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with the bread cubes before adding the custard. The melted chocolate creates pockets of gooey richness throughout. Use Ghirardelli for the best melt and flavor.

Citrus Brightness

Add 1 tbsp orange zest and 1 tbsp lemon zest to the custard for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich vanilla. This works especially well if you’re serving the pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutty Crunch

Toast ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts at 350°F for 8 minutes, then sprinkle over the pudding before baking. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor that complements the caramel drizzle.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl

Layer 2 cups diced apples (tossed with 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp sugar) between the bread cubes. This creates a delicious apple pie-inspired variation with minimal effort. 💫

Espresso Enhancement

Dissolve 1 tbsp instant espresso powder in 1 tbsp hot water, then mix into the custard. The coffee deepens the vanilla flavor without making it taste like coffee. It’s a chef’s trick that always impresses.

Frequently Asked Questions