If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the heart of the South, you’ve just found it. This New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe is a treasure trove of textures and flavors—the perfectly tender custard-soaked bread, the gentle crunch of pecans, and bursts of raisins and coconut, all tied together with a luscious whiskey sauce that sings with caramel and vanilla notes. It’s the kind of classic dessert that brings people together around the table, stirring up sweet memories with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully selected to build on the harmony of flavors and textures that make bread pudding so irresistible. From the richness of butter to the warm spices, each component has a job to elevate the dish from simple comfort food to authentic New Orleans indulgence.
- 10 ounces stale French bread, crumbled: Using stale bread helps the custard soak in without turning mushy, creating that perfect pudding texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Provides just enough sweetness to balance the spices and richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a velvety richness that keeps the pudding moist and tender.
- 3 eggs: Act as the foundation for the custard, holding everything together with a creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract: Gives a warm, fragrant note essential to Southern desserts.
- 1 cup raisins: These little bursts of sweetness add chewy contrast to the soft pudding.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Brings texture and a subtle tropical flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty depth that complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile with a familiar spice.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a hint of aromatic heat that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- 4 cups milk: Soaks into the bread, creating the custardy base for the pudding.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates a silky base for the whiskey sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- 2 egg yolks: Give richness and help emulsify the whiskey sauce for a smooth finish.
- 1/2 cup Bourbon: The star of the sauce, adding warmth and character with the classic New Orleans kick.
How to Make New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish gently but thoroughly—this step ensures your bread pudding won’t stick and will develop a lovely golden crust during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Bread Pudding Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the crumbled bread, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, raisins, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. The magic here is achieving a custard-like mixture that’s very moist but not soupy; this is what makes the pudding silky and flavorful.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your mixture evenly into the buttered dish and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the top has turned a beautiful golden brown and the pudding feels set to the touch. This slow baking allows all those flavors to meld and the texture to become perfect.
Step 4: Create Joe’s Whiskey Sauce
While your bread pudding is baking, start working on the sauce that makes this dessert truly sing. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter and powdered sugar with a hand-held mixer until smooth and fully combined. Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the egg yolks quickly so they don’t scramble. Stir in the Bourbon gradually, mixing constantly. As the sauce cools, it thickens into a silky, sweet companion for your bread pudding.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Whiskey Sauce
Once your bread pudding comes out of the oven, serve it warm with generous spoonfuls of that intoxicating whiskey sauce drizzled on top. It’s simple, soulful, and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the charm of your New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe, sprinkle a few toasted pecans or extra shredded coconut on top. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely aromatic touch. For a touch of elegance, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, cooling and complementing the warm pudding and whiskey sauce.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines as the grand finale of any meal, but if you want to round it out, consider light, fruity accompaniments like fresh sliced berries or a citrus salad. Their brightness balances the richness of the bread pudding and whiskey sauce, keeping the experience refreshing from first bite to last.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the bread pudding family-style in the baking dish to encourage cozy sharing. Alternatively, spoon it into individual ramekins for a more refined presentation. You can drizzle the whiskey sauce around the plate or create pretty swirls with it. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers to impress your guests visually as much as with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep wonderfully for up to 4 days while maintaining its moist, tender texture and rich flavors.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze leftover bread pudding in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Note that the whiskey sauce is best made fresh or refrigerated separately, as freezing can affect its texture.
Reheating
Reheat servings gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through; avoid overheating to keep the pudding tender. Rewarm the whiskey sauce separately in a small pan over low heat, stirring frequently to retain its smooth, luscious quality before pouring over the pudding.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, fresh bread can be used, but it will soak up more liquid, so reduce the milk to 3 cups to prevent the pudding from becoming too soupy. Using stale bread is ideal for that classic texture.
Is Bourbon necessary for the whiskey sauce?
Bourbon gives the sauce its characteristic warmth and depth, which is essential for the authentic New Orleans vibe. However, if you prefer, dark rum or whiskey can be substituted with delicious results.
Can I make the whiskey sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm it gently before serving to bring back its silky texture.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A crusty French bread works beautifully because it absorbs the custard without dissolving. You can also use brioche or challah for a richer pudding, but adjust the milk slightly if using fresh or softer bread.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with a gluten-free option that is firm and slightly stale. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavors will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
Making this New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe is like baking a slice of tradition that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a recipe that welcomes you with warm spices, comforting textures, and that unforgettable whiskey sauce that makes every bite special. I encourage you to give it a go, invite your friends or family, and share the joy of this soulful dessert—trust me, it will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
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New Orleans Style Bread Pudding with 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, American
Description
This New Orleans Style Bread Pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring stale French bread soaked in a rich custard mixture with raisins, coconut, pecans, and warm spices, baked to golden perfection. It is served with a luscious Joe’s Whiskey Sauce made from butter, powdered sugar, egg yolks, and bourbon for a comforting and indulgent finish.
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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- 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. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is moist but not watery.
- Bake Bread Pudding: Pour the prepared mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the pudding is fully set.
- Prepare Joe’s Whiskey Sauce: While the bread pudding is baking, make the whiskey sauce by creaming the butter and powdered sugar together in a medium saucepan over medium heat using a hand-held mixer. Once smooth and fully combined, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the egg yolks. Gradually add the bourbon, stirring constantly, and continue mixing off the heat until the sauce thickens as it cools.
- Serve: Serve the bread pudding warm, generously topped with Joe’s Whiskey Sauce for a rich and flavorful dessert experience.
Notes
- Using stale French bread helps absorb the custard better without becoming too mushy; if using fresh bread, reduce the milk to 3 cups.
- Make sure the bread pudding mixture is moist but not overly soupy before baking to ensure proper texture.
- Allow the whiskey sauce to cool slightly so it thickens before serving on the bread pudding.
- Serve the pudding warm for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version, though the flavor will differ.
