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Homemade New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe Easy and Irresistible

homemade new orleans bread pudding - featured image

A cozy and comforting New Orleans bread pudding with a rich custard and tender soaked bread, topped with a luscious bourbon sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups day-old French bread, cubed
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional, 75 g)
  • For bourbon sauce:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (220 g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (60 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cube the day-old French bread into roughly 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  4. Pour the custard over the bread cubes and gently fold to coat all bread. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to soak.
  5. Fold in optional raisins if using.
  6. Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread evenly and drizzle melted butter over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly after 40 minutes.
  8. While baking, prepare the bourbon sauce: melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in bourbon and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  9. Let the bread pudding cool on a rack for about 10 minutes after baking.
  10. Serve warm, drizzled generously with bourbon sauce.

Notes

Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture. Let bread soak in custard for at least 15 minutes. Tent with foil if top browns too fast. Bourbon sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. For vegan, substitute dairy and eggs accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: New Orleans bread pudding, bread pudding recipe, bourbon sauce, Southern dessert, easy bread pudding, homemade dessert