Orleans Bread Pudding Bourbon

This Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is a warm hug on a plate filled with cozy spices and a rich, smooth sauce. Perfect for those nights when you want a dessert that feels like a comforting indulgence, it combines the soft custardy bread with the unmistakable warmth of bourbon for a truly memorable treat.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when friends gathered around and it instantly became the star of the night with its irresistible sweet warmth.

Ingredients You Need

• French bread: cubed day-old bread absorbs custard beautifully, resulting in the perfect texture
• Whole milk and heavy cream: together they create a creamy, rich base for the pudding
• Large eggs: give structure and help the custard set
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: balance sweetness and add a hint of caramel notes
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with a floral sweetness
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: provide warmly spiced notes that define the character of the pudding
• Raisins (optional): add bursts of chewy sweetness and texture
• Unsalted butter: used both in the pudding to add richness and in the sauce for silky smoothness
• Powdered sugar for the sauce: dissolves effortlessly creating a smooth, sweet finish
• Bourbon: brings warmth and complexity to the sauce, choose a good-quality bourbon for the best flavor

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Custard And Soak The Bread:

In a large bowl, mix cubed bread with whole milk and heavy cream allowing the bread to soak and soften for about 10 to 15 minutes, creating a rich and tender base.

Whisk Together The Flavorful Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well incorporated to build the warm spiced custard.

Combine Ingredients For The Pudding:

Pour the egg mixture over the soaked bread and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Add raisins now if you like a sweet textured surprise.

Prepare The Baking Dish:

Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish which will help the pudding release easily once cooked and avoid sticking.

Bake Until Golden And Set:

Place the bread pudding mixture into the prepared dish, drizzle melted butter evenly on top for added richness and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Craft The Bourbon Sauce:

While the pudding bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a pan over low heat, stir in powdered sugar and bourbon whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract to finish with a fragrant aroma.

Serve Warm With Generous Sauce:

Spoon the warm bread pudding onto plates and drizzle the bourbon sauce generously over the top to add a silky, sweet, and slightly boozy counterpoint that takes every bite to the next level.

This bread pudding recipe has a way of bringing people together. I remember making it for a holiday gathering and everyone kept going back for seconds, sharing stories and laughter around the table. It’s a dessert that feels like home and invites comfort in every bite.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain moisture and freshness Reheat gently in the oven or microwave adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy Bourbon sauce can be refrigerated separately and warmed before serving for best flavor

Ingredient Variations

Swap raisins for dried cherries or chopped dates for a different sweetness and texture Try using brioche or challah bread to create a richer texture and flavor Add chopped toasted pecans on top before baking for a nutty crunch that complements the soft pudding

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence Pair with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon on the side to enhance the flavors A dusting of powdered cinnamon on top can add that final cozy touch

This Orleans Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Rich, fragrant, and deeply comforting, it’s a classic you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this pudding?

Day-old French bread is ideal as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy, providing a tender yet structured texture.

→ Can I omit the raisins in the bread mixture?

Yes, raisins are optional and can be left out or substituted with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates for different flavors.

→ How should the bourbon sauce be prepared?

Melt butter over low heat, mix in powdered sugar and bourbon, then whisk until smooth and finish with vanilla extract off the heat for a silky sauce.

→ What temperature and time are recommended for baking?

Bake the pudding in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-50 minutes until it turns golden brown and is set in the center.

→ How can I adjust the bourbon flavor in the sauce?

Adjust the bourbon quantity to your preference; reducing it will lessen the alcohol taste while keeping the sauce rich, increasing it intensifies the bourbon presence.