Envision this: a warm, aromatic Bourbon Bread Pudding emerging from the oven, its golden crust inviting you in.
With just a few simple steps, you can create this cozy, indulgent dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
As the bread soaks up the creamy, spiced mixture and bakes to perfection, it transforms into something truly special. It’s time to bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread stale or day-old
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Bourbon Bread Pudding, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe:
- 5 minutes: Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation:
- 10 minutes: Cube the stale or day-old bread and measure out all the ingredients.
- 5 minutes: Grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mixing:
- 5 minutes: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Soaking:
- 10 minutes: Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently stir to coat. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Preheating the Oven:
- Simultaneously during soaking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer and Optional Topping:
- 5 minutes: Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.
- Baking:
- 45 minutes: Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Resting:
- 15 minutes: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In the mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently stir to coat.
Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop on top for a creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the pudding for added sweetness and richness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop can enhance the dessert’s overall lightness and balance.
- Fresh Berries: Sprinkle on some berries for a revitalizing and tart counterpoint.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust lightly for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover bourbon bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual servings in the oven or microwave before enjoying for ideal taste.
Freezing
To freeze bourbon bread pudding, cool it completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Bourbon Bread Pudding, cover with foil.
Bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 30-60 seconds.
Avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s both quick and easy to prepare.
The combination of stale bread, milk, heavy cream, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional raisins creates a harmonious blend of sweet and spiced notes.
Once baked, the pudding develops a golden-brown crust while remaining soft and luscious inside. For best results, consider experimenting with different types of bread to enhance the flavor complexity.
If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the bourbon or replace it with a non-alcoholic option.
Serve the bread pudding warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making it a convenient treat for later.
Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a comforting snack, Bourbon Bread Pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives for This Recipe?
You can definitely use non-dairy milk alternatives for this recipe. Choose almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a luscious, creamy texture. Their subtle flavors will infuse the dessert, creating a delightful aroma and taste sensation. Enjoy!
What Type of Bread Works Best for Bread Pudding?
You’ll want a hearty, rustic bread that can soak up flavors without disintegrating. Think of a crusty French baguette or brioche, which creates a luscious texture, while the aroma of spices and bourbon envelops your senses.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can make it gluten-free by swapping traditional bread with gluten-free varieties. Choose hearty, crusty loaves for a satisfying texture. Let the aroma of warm spices and bourbon envelop your senses as it bakes.
How Can I Make This Dessert Vegan-Friendly?
To make this dessert vegan-friendly, replace milk and cream with coconut milk, use flaxseed meal instead of eggs, and swap butter for coconut oil. The rich aroma and creamy texture will still tantalize your taste buds.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts to the Recipe?
You can certainly enrich the dish by adding luscious berries or crunchy nuts. Toss in ripe bananas for sweetness or walnuts for a nutty texture, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures in every delectable bite.
Bourbon Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread stale or day-old
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In the mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the mixture and gently stir to coat.
- Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle raisins over the top if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
