If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the heart of the South, you’ll absolutely love this New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe. This iconic dish combines the nostalgic comfort of moist, spiced bread pudding bursting with raisins, coconut, and pecans, all bathed in a velvety sauce rich with bourbon’s smoky sweetness. It’s perfectly suited for gatherings big and small, making every bite an indulgent celebration of New Orleans’ vibrant culinary spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is crucial for this New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe. Each element plays a starring role: the bread forms the foundation, spices invite warmth, and the sauce brings the whole dish together with a boozy, silky punch.
- 10 ounces stale French bread, crumbled: Using stale bread helps it soak up the custard without turning mushy, offering perfect texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness to balance spices and enhance richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for pudding): Adds creamy depth and tenderness to the bread pudding.
- 3 eggs: Acts as a binder, giving structure and silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth that elevates all flavors.
- 1 cup raisins: Classic chewy bursts of sweetness throughout the pudding.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds subtle tropical notes and texture contrast.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Introduces a crunchy, nutty dimension.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Essential spice for that unmistakable Southern warmth.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: Deepens the spice profile with a hint of aromatic earthiness.
- 4 cups milk: The creamy liquid base that soaks into bread perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce): The starting richness for the whiskey sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the whiskey sauce smoothly.
- 2 egg yolks: Thicken and elevate the sauce’s luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup Bourbon: The star ingredient in the sauce that delivers authentic New Orleans charm.
How to Make New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly—this little step ensures the pudding won’t stick and adds a subtle richness to the edges.
Step 2: Combine the Bread Pudding Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the crumbled stale bread, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, raisins, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Stir gently until the mixture is very moist but not soupy—this perfect balance allows the bread to soak up the flavors wonderfully without becoming soggy.
Step 3: Bake the Bread Pudding
Pour the luscious mixture into your buttered baking dish, smoothing it evenly with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown top and a custard that’s set firmly—this tells you the bread pudding is ready to be savored.
Step 4: Make the Bourbon Whiskey Sauce
While your bread pudding is baking, it’s time to prepare the sauce that takes this dessert to the next level. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cream together the butter and powdered sugar with a hand-held mixer until the butter is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks carefully. Finally, stir in the bourbon gradually, mixing constantly so the sauce thickens into a silky, boozy glaze as it cools—this homemade sauce is pure magic drizzled over every serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread pudding has come out of the oven and has had a moment to cool slightly, cut generous squares and drizzle them with the warm bourbon whiskey sauce. This combination of tender pudding and luscious sauce is the essence of the New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe experience.
How to Serve New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your serving, sprinkle some toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon atop each piece. A little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is another fabulous touch that balances warmth with cool creaminess, enhancing every bite.
Side Dishes
Although this bread pudding stands brilliantly on its own, pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or a simple berry compote adds brightness and contrast to the richness. It’s a delightful way to balance the indulgence and keep the palate refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
For a classy twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins or mason jars, topped with bourbon sauce and garnishes. This presentation makes it perfect for parties or special occasions, adding a personal, festive feel that will charm your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra bread pudding, no worries—store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will deepen, so every bite remains just as delightful.
Freezing
Your New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, but gentle oven reheating helps maintain the pudding’s soft texture. Don’t forget to warm the bourbon sauce too; a little warmth makes the sauce flow beautifully again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can! If using fresh bread, reduce the milk to about 3 cups to prevent the pudding from becoming overly watery. Stale bread is preferred because it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy, but fresh bread works in a pinch.
What kind of bourbon is best for the whiskey sauce?
Choose a smooth bourbon with a balanced flavor profile—nothing too harsh or smoky. A mid-range bottle works great since the bourbon is cooked and combined with other ingredients, but quality will always enhance the final taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the French bread for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free French bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert accessible to more people without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the bourbon whiskey sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to restore its smooth consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
For a vegan version, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat), vegan butter, and substitute eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives. Keep in mind the texture will differ slightly but can still be delicious with the right adjustments.
Final Thoughts
This New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a celebration every time you make it. With its perfect balance of comforting spices, tender bread, and that unmistakable bourbon sauce, it invites you to slow down and savor life’s sweeter moments. Trust me, once you bring this soulful dish to your table, it will quickly become one of your most treasured recipes to share with friends and family.
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New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Bourbon Whiskey Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This classic New Orleans Style Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert featuring stale French bread soaked in a spiced custard with raisins, coconut, and pecans, baked to golden perfection and served warm with a luscious Bourbon whiskey sauce.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 10 ounces stale French bread, crumbled (or 6–8 cups of any bread; reduce milk to 3 cups if using fresh bread)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups milk
Joe’s Whiskey Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for the bread pudding.
- Mix Bread Pudding Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bread, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, raisins, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is very moist but not overly soupy.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Pour the prepared mixture evenly into the buttered baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is fully set.
- Prepare Whiskey Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, make Joe’s Whiskey Sauce by creaming the butter and powdered sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat using a hand-held mixer until the butter is fully absorbed. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks. Gradually stir in the Bourbon constantly until the sauce thickens as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the warm bread pudding topped generously with Joe’s Whiskey Sauce for a rich, flavorful finish.
Notes
- For best texture, use stale French bread as it soaks up the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- If using fresh bread, reduce the milk quantity to 3 cups to prevent the pudding from being overly wet.
- You can substitute Bourbon with dark rum or another spirit if preferred.
- Ensure the whiskey sauce is cooled slightly so the egg yolks don’t scramble when added.
- This pudding tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, and can be reheated gently before serving.
