Sweet Bread Pudding With a Vanilla Kick

-Tulip-'s Note:

A very sweet custardy bread pudding with more than a touch of vanilla. Inspired from Steve_G's Vanilla Bread Pudding.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 12

• 8 pieces french toast bread (I find it at Safeway)
• 6 eggs , room temperature
• 2 egg yolks , room temperature
• 2 ½ cups sugar
• 3 -4 tablespoons vanilla
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup butter
• 6 cups milk , best with whole milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Cut French Toast bread into small bite-size cubes.
3. Place in the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 pan. (Works great in a clay pan, if you have one).
4. Combine dry ingredients; set aside.
5. In a medium sized bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy; set aside.
6. In a medium saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat until butter melts; remove from heat.
7. Add dry ingredients and vanilla to milk and stir until sugar dissolves.
8. Very slowly, pour the milk into the eggs while constantly stirring, as to avoid curdling the eggs.
9. Pour over bread cubes.
10. Let sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the bread can become soaked.
11. Bake for 60 minutes or until the sides get brown and begin to pull slightly away from pan.
12. Let cool slightly.
13. This pudding is very sweet and doesn't need a topping but, if desired, top with whipped cream, ice cream or one of the many great toppings or sauces found here on Zaar.