Experience the soul of New Orleans with this warm, comforting New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding! Made with tender, day-old French bread soaked in a luscious custard of milk, eggs, spices, and plump raisins, this dessert brings classic Southern flavors right to your kitchen. And the crowning glory? A velvety bourbon sauce that transforms each bite into pure bliss.
Perfect for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you crave something sweet and nostalgic, this recipe captures the heart of NOLA’s rich culinary heritage. Ready to make magic happen? Let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Stands Out This bread pudding isn’t just dessert—it’s a tribute to tradition and taste:
Irresistibly Soft & Creamy: French bread soaks up the spiced custard, delivering a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fragrant Warm Spices: Cinnamon and allspice create a cozy aroma and rich flavor.
Decadent Bourbon Sauce: A caramel-like, boozy sauce elevates every bite.
Customizable: Swap raisins for chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for a twist.
Whether warm or chilled, this pudding satisfies every dessert lover.
Ingredients For the Bread Pudding:
1 large loaf (14–16 oz) day-old French bread, torn into pieces
4 cups milk
3 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 to 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup raisins
3 tbsp melted butter
For the Bourbon Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup heavy cream
2–3 tbsp bourbon (adjust to taste)
Optional: Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Bread Tear the French bread into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large bowl. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast it to prevent sogginess.
Make the Custard In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, allspice, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the custard over the bread, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Let soak for 10–15 minutes, occasionally pressing down so the bread absorbs the liquid.
Pro Tip: For deeper flavor, refrigerate the soaked bread for at least 1 hour before baking.
Add Raisins and Butter Gently fold in the raisins and drizzle the melted butter over the mixture. Stir to combine evenly.
Bake the Pudding Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown on top and set but still soft inside.
Make the Bourbon Sauce While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir the sugar and melted butter until golden (3–5 minutes). Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.
Caution: Adding cream to hot sugar can cause bubbling—handle with care!
Serve Cool the bread pudding for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with bourbon sauce and garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Use Stale Bread: Day-old French bread absorbs custard without getting mushy.
Embrace Spices: Cinnamon and allspice give this dish its signature warmth.
Adjust the Bourbon: Use less for a milder sauce or omit for a kid-friendly version.
Make Ahead: Assemble the pudding a day in advance and bake when ready.
The Sweet Finale This New Orleans-Style Bread Pudding is more than dessert—it’s a warm hug in every bite. With its tender crumb, rich custard, and indulgent bourbon sauce, it’s destined to become a household favorite.
Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this Southern classic. If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear your thoughts—share your experience in the comments!
For more comforting desserts and easy baking ideas, check out our collection of recipes. Happy baking, and remember—life’s sweeter with a little Southern charm! 🍴✨
