Bourbon Bread Pudding is a decadent Southern-inspired dessert that combines the rich flavors of bourbon, vanilla, and warm spices with the comforting texture of custard-soaked bread. This dish is perfect for holidays or cozy evenings, offering an indulgent experience that’s both sweet and satisfying. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness of the caramelized bread, while the custard keeps everything moist and creamy. Topped with a drizzle of bourbon sauce, this bread pudding is an elevated take on a classic dessert, sure to impress anyone with a taste for comfort and elegance.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as French bread or brioche)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup bourbon
Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup bourbon
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread in the prepared dish in an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bourbon until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the sugar and whisk until fully dissolved and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the beaten egg and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon. The sauce will thicken further as it cools slightly.
- Serve:
- Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes, then drizzle with warm bourbon sauce. Serve warm for the best flavor.
Enjoy the warm, rich flavors of this bourbon bread pudding with friends or family—it’s an unforgettable dessert that’s sure to be a hit!
