Ingredients
**For the Bread Pudding:**
6 cups day-old French bread, cubed
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted (for greasing dish)
**For the Bourbon Sauce:**
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp bourbon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Fold in the bread cubes and raisins or pecans (if using). Let soak for 15 minutes.
4. Pour mixture into prepared dish and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
6. Meanwhile, make the bourbon sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon and vanilla extract.
9. Serve warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of bourbon sauce.
Notes
Use stale challah or brioche for an extra rich base.
For non-alcoholic version, swap bourbon for maple syrup.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Southern
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: New Orleans-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: orleans bread pudding, bourbon bread pudding, southern dessert