Bread pudding is a beloved classic in Southern cuisine, and this New Orleans-style version takes it to the next level with a rich and indulgent bourbon sauce. With its perfect combination of fluffy, cinnamon-spiced bread soaked in creamy milk, eggs, and sugar, and topped with a decadent bourbon sauce, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this classic New Orleans bread pudding recipe is a must-try. Serve it warm with the bourbon sauce, and you’ll experience the taste of New Orleans right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the bread pudding:
- 1 large loaf French Bread (approximately 14 to 16 ounces)
- 4 cups milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
For the bourbon sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (whiskey) or to your taste
Directions:
- Prepare the bread mixture:
Tear or cut the French bread into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the milk and allow it to soak, using your hands to crush and mix the bread until the mixture is well combined and soaked through. - Mix the egg and sugar ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir in the raisins for an extra pop of sweetness. Combine this mixture with the soaked bread, stirring until everything is evenly distributed. Let it sit for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking. - Preheat and prepare the baking dish:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the butter and coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with the melted butter to prevent sticking. - Bake the bread pudding:
Pour the bread and milk mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top. Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. - Prepare the bourbon sauce:
While the pudding cools, make the bourbon sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, and then slowly add it to the butter mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling. Stir in the bourbon and continue cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly. - Serve and enjoy:
Once the bread pudding has cooled slightly, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of the bourbon sauce. Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet, spiced bread pudding with the rich, smooth bourbon sauce.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 560 kcal per serving
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 200mg
This New Orleans-style bread pudding is indulgent, but with careful portion control, it can be a delicious treat to enjoy on special occasions. You can adjust the bourbon sauce to your taste, and even skip the raisins if preferred.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
To make sure your bread pudding turns out perfectly, here are some tips on avoiding common mistakes:
- Not letting the bread soak long enough: Allowing the bread to soak for a minimum of 2 hours ensures that the pudding will be soft and moist. If you rush this step, the bread may remain too firm.
- Overbaking the pudding: Check the bread pudding towards the end of the cooking time. You want it to be set and golden brown, but not dry.
- Using stale bread that’s too dry: Fresh or slightly stale bread works best for soaking in the milk mixture. Avoid using overly dry bread, as it won’t absorb the liquid properly.
Helpful Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. This makes it easy to prepare for a special event or dinner.
- Customize the filling: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with other dried fruits like cranberries, or even fresh fruit like apple slices or banana chunks.
- Air-tight storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The bread pudding will last for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and serve with the bourbon sauce.
Conclusion:
Classic New Orleans bread pudding is a dessert that embodies the warmth and flavor of the South, and when paired with a homemade bourbon sauce, it becomes an unforgettable treat. Whether you are serving it for a holiday, family gathering, or a special occasion, this rich and comforting dessert is sure to impress. With its soft and spiced bread, sweet raisins, and luscious sauce, this recipe brings the soul of New Orleans right to your table. Enjoy every bite of this classic Southern favorite with friends and family!