This vanilla condensed milk sauce is the perfect easy bread pudding sauce. It takes only 5 minutes to make and it's perfect on so many desserts.

Why You Need To Make This Easy Sauce
I have gotten so much great feedback about this easy vanilla sauce for bread pudding that came from my Bread Pudding recipe that I decided to make a post for it on its own. It is really that good!
- Great flavor: This easy vanilla sauce for bread pudding is actually a condensed milk sauce and it is so decadent and delicious.
- Few ingredients: There are only three ingredients that you will need to add to the condensed milk to make this simple vanilla sauce. You probably already have the ingredients too. This vanilla bread pudding sauce has no eggs or heavy cream and none of the hassle that comes with making a traditional bread pudding sauce.
- So many uses: This easy vanilla sauce is not only fantastic on bread pudding, but it is also great on cheesecake, waffles, pancakes, or used as a dip for fruit.
The bread pudding recipe that this condensed milk sauce comes from is just as easy as this simple dessert sauce. If you love bread pudding like I do, it is definitely worth checking out! It uses stale Italian bread and transforms it into a delicious and decadent bread pudding!
For this recipe, I can't tell you how many times I have pulled out a can of condensed milk from my pantry last minute to whip up this vanilla sauce for my desserts 🙂
Ingredients
Making this vanilla sauce is so easy thanks to the fact that we are starting out with condensed milk. Here is what you will need (full recipe below):
- Sweetened condensed milk. Yes, condensed milk is the main ingredient in this recipe. Trust me, it is GOOD!
- Vanilla extract. This is what makes it a vanilla sauce and extra special.
- Butter. You will only need a very little bit of this. The butter adds a bit of sheen and flavor. I prefer unsalted butter for this recipe. If you like a bit of salt in your sweets, go ahead and add a little.
- Milk. The milk in this easy sauce helps to thin the sauce out a bit so you can pour it over your bread pudding or any dessert or breakfast that you are making this for.
Most of these items you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
How to make
Here are the steps to make this really simple vanilla sauce for bread pudding:

- Pour into a saucepan: Open a can of condensed milk and pour it into a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Heat: Add your butter and stir until it is melted.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Add your vanilla extract and milk and mix well for one minute.
- Serve: Remove from the heat and serve this vanilla sauce warm over bread pudding or your favorite dessert.
The steps are all about stirring. No special skills are needed here.
Condensed milk is really delicious all on its own and in my opinion needs no additions to be a delicious stand-alone sauce. I have been known to just eat it with a spoon 🙂
The additional ingredients that you use merely add to the amazing condensed milk flavor. Also, the condensed milk helps create a smoother and more pourable texture. This is what you want in a bread pudding sauce.

For me, the addition of the butter and milk also mimics traditional vanilla sauces that take more time to make. I like things that are easy and not complicated.
You could choose to make a more involved vanilla sauce for bread pudding but why if you can make something that is so easy like this vanilla sauce 🙂
Variations
- Make it dairy-free: If you are looking to make this easy vanilla sauce dairy-free, you can use coconut condensed milk.
- Switch up the flavors: Add cinnamon, chocolate or any of your favorite dessert sauce flavors to the recipe. Remember, make it your own!

Storing and Re-heating
- How to store condensed milk sauce: To store any extra sauce you have, just place it in a container or bowl with a lid once it has cooled and place it in your refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- How to re-heat: To reheat your vanilla bread pudding sauce, simply pour it into a medium saucepan over low heat and gently reheat the sauce until it is very warm. Remove immediately and serve.
More condensed milk recipes
Condensed Milk Vanilla Sauce (Bread Pudding Sauce)
Equipment
- medium sauce pan
Ingredients
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoon milk to lightly thin it out
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter to add shine and flavor
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients into a medium sauce pan over medium heat1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoon milk, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of butter
- Mix well and heat until it all comes together and it starts to look silky and smooth
- Remove from heat and use immediately
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Values are estimates only.
See full nutrition disclaimer hereTried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!
Mika says
The perfect bread pudding sauce and everyone LOVED it!
Melissa says
So glad to hear that!
Barbara Burns says
Can I keep this warm in a "warm" crockpot or will it caramelize
Melissa says
Hi Barbara. I have not tried that. I think it should be fine.
Sophia says
This was so delicious!
Terry G says
Followed the recipe exactly and it was amazing. Perfect texture and so delicious!
Melissa says
So glad to hear that 🙂
Dana K says
Excellent and such a brilliant idea! The whole family loved this! Thank you for this gem
Melissa says
So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Megan says
Loved it! Really delicious and easy to make
Bailey says
So easy and delicious and it took just minutes to make! Using this for all my desserts now
Melissa says
Love hearing that 🙂
Dan says
This was absolutely delicious and so easy to make.
Melissa says
So glad to hear that!
Melissa says
Love hearing that!
Jim L says
This recipe was easy, tasty and exactly what I needed for our dessert. I love how few ingredients it needed too!
Melissa says
Love hearing that 🙂
Sammy says
This is really the best bread pudding sauce! So easy and so good:)
Melissa says
Love hearing that! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Livie says
Perfect! I'm not a baker and have been asked to make this over and over so after mulling through many recipes this was the easiest and I had everything on hand! Thank you!
Melissa says
I'm so glad to hear that Livie 🙂
James says
This sauce was perfect for our dessert
Melissa says
So glad to hear that!
Melissa says
So glad to hear that!
Sarah R says
This is my new favorite dessert sauce! It is so delicious and perfect on the bread pudding we made.
Melissa says
I am so glad to hear that 🙂
Melissa says
Hi Cheryl.I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂