Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is a classic, indulgent dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a rich and comforting treat. Made with cubes of day-old bread soaked in a creamy custard spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, this dish is baked to golden perfection, creating a crisp top and soft, luscious interior. What takes it over the top is the warm bourbon sauce drizzled over the pudding, adding a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of boozy sweetness. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something truly decadent, this dessert is a delicious combination of simplicity and luxury.

Ingredients:

For the bread pudding:

• 8 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works well)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the dish)

For the bourbon sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the bread pudding: Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the raisins evenly over the bread. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb.
4. Bake: Bake the bread pudding for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
5. Make the bourbon sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cream, and cook until smooth and bubbling, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract.
6. Serve: Drizzle the warm bourbon sauce over the bread pudding before serving. You can also serve the sauce on the side for guests to pour as desired.

This Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is a comforting, indulgent dessert with layers of warm, spiced flavors and a rich, buttery sauce, making it a perfect sweet ending to any meal!