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Orleans Bread Pudding

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert made from stale French bread soaked in a spiced custard, baked to golden perfection, and served with a warm, buttery Bourbon Sauce. This traditional Southern treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious taste of New Orleans with every bite

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including soaking time)
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large loaf French Bread (approximately 14 to 16 ounces)
  • 4 cups milk
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups sugar (granulated)
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

For the decadent Bourbon Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (whiskey) or to your taste

Instructions

  • Prep the Bread: Start by tearing or cutting the French bread into 1-inch pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Add the milk and let it soak for a few minutes. As the bread absorbs the milk, crush it gently with your hands until it’s well mixed.
  • Mix the Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir in the raisins and combine this mixture with the soaked bread. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even absorption of all the flavors.
  • Bake the Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and use it to coat a 13×9-inch baking dish. Pour the bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. Once done, let it cool on a wire rack.
  • Prepare the Bourbon Sauce: While the pudding cools, it’s time to make the Bourbon Sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the beaten egg while continuously stirring to prevent it from scrambling. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the bourbon.
  • Serve: Cut the bread pudding into squares and serve it warm, generously drizzled with the Bourbon Sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Bread Choice: While French bread is traditional, you can use any type of stale bread you have on hand. The key is to ensure it is slightly dry, which helps it absorb the custard mixture more effectively.
  • Soaking Time: Don’t skip the soaking time! Allowing the bread to sit in the milk mixture for at least two hours ensures every bite is flavorful and moist.
  • Bourbon Sauce: If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can substitute it with rum or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version. The sauce will still be deliciously sweet and buttery.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern, American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Bourbon Bread Pudding, Orleans Bread Pudding, Southern Bread Pudding, Traditional Bread Pudding