Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious bread pudding recipe! This isn't your grandma's bread pudding (though she'd probably love it too). We're elevating this classic comfort food with a rich and decadent bourbon sauce that takes it to the next level. Perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or even a simple weeknight treat, this bread pudding recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to dive into a world of creamy custard, tender bread, and a sophisticated bourbon kick!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or Italian work best)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or substitute with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Soak the Bread: Gently add the cubed bread to the wet ingredients, stirring until the bread is evenly moistened. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for a perfect texture.
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in the raisins and nuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
Making the Bourbon Sauce:
- Simmer the Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a light golden amber color. This takes patience and careful watching!
- Add Bourbon & Butter: Carefully whisk in the bourbon (or vanilla extract) and butter. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble.
- Simmer & Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm bourbon sauce generously over the bread pudding before serving.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is essential for a good bread pudding. If you don't have stale bread, you can dry it out in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the bread into the custard to avoid breaking it up too much.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool Slightly: Letting the pudding cool slightly before serving will help it set properly and prevent a soggy bottom.
Variations:
- Chocolate Bread Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture.
- Apple Bread Pudding: Add 1-2 cups of diced apples to the bread pudding mixture.
- Citrus Bread Pudding: Add the zest and juice of one orange or lemon to the custard mixture.
- Spiced Bread Pudding: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or cloves.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55g
This delicious bread pudding with bourbon sauce is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy this easy recipe and the delicious taste of homemade comfort food. Remember to share your creations with us! Happy baking!