Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe
The Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe is a heartwarming Southern dessert that takes simple, humble ingredients and transforms them into a luxuriously rich and comforting treat. With its custardy texture soaked into crusty French bread cubes and the warm spices lingering in every bite, this dish truly captures the essence of New Orleans hospitality and flavor. Whether served warm with a drizzle of bourbon sauce or enjoyed on its own, this bread pudding invites you to slow down and savor every moment of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of creamy custard and tender bread in this Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the sturdy bread that soaks up the custard to the spices that bring out the dessert’s signature warmth and depth.
- 6 cups day-old French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes): Using slightly stale bread ensures it absorbs the custard beautifully without turning to mush.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creamy moisture and richness to the custard base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the indulgence factor, providing a luscious texture.
- 4 large eggs: These are essential to set the custard and bind the bread together perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overwhelming the natural flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds a subtle richness and silky mouthfeel.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a warm, inviting aroma and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic spice that brings comforting warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds an extra layer of subtle spice complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional): Provides delightful texture and bursts of sweetness or crunch.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A light finishing touch for elegance and added sweetness.
For the Bourbon Sauce (optional but traditional):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creates a silky base for the sauce.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the sauce to balance the bourbon’s kick.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smoothness.
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (or to taste): The star ingredient giving the sauce its signature Southern flair and warmth.
How to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Custard
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the 1-inch bread cubes evenly into the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. If you’re including raisins or pecans, stir them in here. This custard mixture forms the luscious backbone of the pudding.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in your baking dish. Gently press down with a spoon to help the bread soak up all that flavorful custard goodness. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread becomes fully saturated without losing its shape. This step gives the pudding its irresistibly custardy but not soggy texture.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and the center is set, but still moist. Insert a knife to check — it should come out clean with just a bit of custard clinging to it. The aromas filling your kitchen at this point are pure magic.
Step 4: Prepare the Bourbon Sauce
While the pudding bakes, get your bourbon sauce going. Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan, then stir in powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Add the bourbon and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully. This sauce is the perfect warm, boozy complement that really elevates the Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe.
How to Serve Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To make your bread pudding irresistible at first glance, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. A few extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add appealing texture and that extra touch of Southern charm. If you have bourbon sauce on hand, a generous drizzle will make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
While this bread pudding loves to be the star of the show, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Both add a cool contrast to the warm, spiced custard. A fresh fruit salad or lightly spiced coffee also complements the richness perfectly during brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like impressing your guests? Serve individual portions in mini ramekins or elegant glass dishes, layering with bourbon sauce between servings for extra flair. You can also create bread pudding trifle cups, alternating pudding with layers of whipped cream and fruit for a stunning twist on this classic. Whichever way you choose, the Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe always shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into airtight containers or wrap the entire dish tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, gently reheat in a 300°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave single servings, though the oven method helps preserve that just-baked texture and flavor. Don’t forget to rewarm a bit of bourbon sauce to drizzle over for that authentic finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, while day-old French bread is traditional for the best texture, you can experiment with brioche or challah for a richer pudding. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to soak the custard without turning mushy.
Is it necessary to include the bourbon sauce?
Not at all! The bourbon sauce adds a classic Southern touch and extra richness, but the bread pudding itself is delicious on its own. You can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or skip the sauce entirely for a simpler dessert.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delightful.
How long does the bread pudding keep fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pudding stays fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended to maintain quality.
What’s the best way to ensure the pudding sets properly?
Make sure to use eggs as they are crucial for setting the custard. Also, allowing the bread to soak well before baking and then baking until the center is just set will give you that classic creamy yet firm texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing the Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug, full of comfort and rich, nostalgic flavors. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday meal, or a treat just for yourself, this bread pudding is guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy tears. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds and your guests will thank you.
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Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert made with day-old French bread soaked in a creamy custard flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Baked until golden and served warm, it’s traditionally accompanied by a luscious bourbon sauce that adds a delightful kick of flavor. This Southern favorite is simple to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old French bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Bourbon Sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then place the cubed day-old French bread evenly in the dish.
- Make the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you’re using raisins or pecans, stir them in now.
- Soak the bread cubes: Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to help it absorb the custard. Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread becomes saturated.
- Bake the bread pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the pudding is golden on top and set in the center. To check doneness, insert a knife into the center – it should come out clean but still moist.
- Prepare the bourbon sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in powdered sugar and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Add bourbon to taste, cooking for 1 to 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the bread pudding warm. Drizzle with bourbon sauce and dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute bourbon with vanilla extract or omit the sauce entirely for a simpler variation.
- Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm but can also be served chilled.
- Leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven or microwave to restore warmth and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
