Bourbon Bliss Bread Pudding

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a southern dessert that's like a warm hug? Have you ever tried a bourbon bread pudding ? This ain't your grandma's bread pudding, unless your grandma was a boozy dessert recipes ensoiast! Get ready for bread pudding elevated!

Brief Overview

Bourbon bread pudding has roots deep in Southern US cooking. It transforms stale bread recipes into something magical. It is pretty easy.

Expect about an hour and fifteen minutes. This bread pudding recipe makes 8-10 servings of pure comfort.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this Kentucky bourbon dessert tastes amazing. Its warming spices and bourbon caramel sauce make it special. This recipe is the perfect occasion for weekend brunch.

What's the Buzz about this Bourbon Bread Pudding?

This bourbon bread pudding recipe will elevate your pudding game. It has the comfort of traditional bread and butter pudding. But also adds the delicious kick of Kentucky bourbon.

This custard bread pudding is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy. It really hits the spot on a chilly evening. I've made it for countless family gatherings, and it’s always a hit! I will never forget the first time I shared this recipe with my family.

They were amazed!

The Secret Sauce: Bourbon Caramel Goodness

The bourbon caramel sauce elevates this dessert. It transforms the entire recipe. Did you know that about 30% of bourbon drinkers also love caramel?

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this Bourbon Bliss bread pudding recipe sing! Honestly, a good bread pudding recipe is all about quality ingredients, so let's break it down.

Ingredients & Equipment

This ain't rocket science, but details matter for that perfect bourbon bread pudding . Especially when we're talking about a southern dessert that’s meant to be pure comfort! Let’s not muck it up!

Main Ingredients

• Stale Bread: 8 cups (about 600g ), cubed. Think brioche, challah or French bread. Day-old is key, nobody likes a soggy bread pudding.

  Trust me. If your bread isn't stale enough, toast it lightly at 300° F ( 150° C) for about 10 minutes .

• Milk: 4 cups ( 950ml ) whole milk.

• Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ).

• Eggs: 6 large .

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup ( 200g ).

• Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ), packed.

• Bourbon (for baking): 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). This is crucial for that Kentucky bourbon dessert kick! I use a decent Kentucky bourbon I like, but don’t break the bank.

• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons .

• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon .

• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon .

• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .

• Optional Mix-Ins: 1/2 cup ( 50g ) raisins or dried cranberries, 1/4 cup ( 25g ) chopped pecans or walnuts.

For the bourbon caramel sauce :

• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup ( 200g ).

• Water: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ).

• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons ( 85g ), cold and cut into pieces.

• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ).

• Bourbon (for the sauce): 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Use the good stuff!

• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes

Cinnamon and nutmeg are your best mates here. They bring warmth. Vanilla extract complements the bourbon beautifully. Want a deeper flavour? A pinch of allspice.

No bourbon? A teaspoon of bourbon extract will do. Or use dark rum or brandy, which gives a lovely flavour, even apple juice could work.

But honestly, it’s not the same as a good Kentucky bourbon dessert . It is a boozy dessert recipe after all.

Equipment Needed

• 9x13 inch ( 23x33cm ) baking dish.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Medium saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Rubber spatula.
• Wire rack.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a whisk? Use a fork in a pinch, although it is not ideal. A regular casserole dish can sub for the baking dish, but adjust baking time accordingly.

This custard bread pudding is surprisingly forgiving with whatever you have in your kitchen! This easy bread pudding recipe is about comfort, not perfection! If you are looking for stale bread recipes here is a good one for using up left overs to make something incredible!

Bourbon Bliss Bread Pudding: A Southern Comfort Classic

Honestly, who doesn't love a good bread pudding recipe ? This bourbon bread pudding is like a warm hug, but boozier.

It's based on the classic Southern dessert , but with a Kentucky kick. I'm talking Kentucky bourbon dessert at its finest! This is seriously a boozy dessert recipe you'll make again and again.

I've made so many dessert recipes , and this one is a total winner. It reminds me of a bread and butter pudding , but way better.

Essential Mise en Place for Pudding Perfection

Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your stuff together. Essential mise en place is key! Cube up about 8 cups of stale bread like brioche.

Seriously, stale bread recipes are perfect for this! Then, measure out all your other ingredients. Chop any nuts you want to add.

Remember, good organization saves time. Safety tip: Watch those fingers when you are chopping!

step-by-step to Bourbon Bread Pudding Bliss

This easy bread pudding is easier than you think! Just follow these steps:

1. Whisk together 4 cups milk, 1 cup cream, 6 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 teaspoons vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
2. Pour the custard over the bread. Press down to soak evenly. Let sit for at least 30 minutes . I usually soak mine for about an hour. You know?
3. Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Pour the bread mixture into the dish.
5. Bake for 45- 55 minutes . Look for a golden brown top. The center should be just slightly jiggly.

Pro Tips for Bread Pudding Greatness

Use good quality bourbon. It makes a difference! Also, don't overbake the pudding! Overbaking ruins this custard bread pudding . You'll end up with a dry mess.

You can also make the bourbon bread pudding the day before. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Finally, for an over the top treat, don't forget to drizzle with some bourbon caramel sauce .

Bourbon Caramel Dreaminess

The bourbon caramel sauce takes this dish to another level. It's really easy to make, just combine 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan.

Cook until a dark amber color forms, then carefully whisk in 6 tablespoons butter and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Take it off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of bourbon and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

This stuff is liquid gold.

Recipe Notes for the Best Bourbon Bread Pudding Ever

Alright, so you're about to dive into making this crazy delicious bourbon bread pudding . Seriously, get ready for some Southern comfort food vibes! It's one of my favourite dessert recipes , especially when I need something to use up stale bread recipes .

Honestly, it's like a warm hug from the inside out.

Plating Like a Pro

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, right? I love serving this Kentucky bourbon dessert warm, drizzled with extra bourbon caramel sauce . A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top? Oh my gosh, it's heaven.

Fresh berries also work great. For a bit of a fancier feel, try individual ramekins. Serve it with a good cup of coffee or a sweet dessert wine! Think about a dessert shot along side the bourbon bread pudding

Keepin' it Fresh

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers and honestly, I doubt you will store the custard bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll keep for about 3 days. You can also freeze it, but the texture might change a little, and will still taste amazing.

Reheat in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but oven reheating is the way to go.

Remixing the Recipe

Variations

Want to mix things up? You can totally make this dairy-free by using almond milk and coconut cream. It still tastes amazing.

For a seasonal twist, add diced apples and some extra cinnamon in the fall. Talk about yum! This easy bread pudding is very forgiving.

And remember, don't be scared of trying out rum or brandy as a substitute of bourbon.

A Little Bit About Nutrition

Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. But it's good for the soul! Each serving has a fair amount of calories think around 450-550.

It's got some protein, some fat, and definitely some carbs and sugar. But hey, everything in moderation, right? Plus, that bourbon caramel sauce is worth every single calorie.

In the end, this southern dessert is all about enjoyment. So, don’t sweat the small stuff!

So, there you have it! My little tips and tricks for making the ultimate bourbon bread pudding recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! And remember, cooking should be fun.

Enjoy the process! I hope that this recipe becomes your family favourite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bourbon bread pudding ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! This bourbon bread pudding is actually a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the whole thing, soak the bread overnight in the fridge, and then bake it the next day. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.

What kind of bread works best for bourbon bread pudding, and can I use that loaf that's been sitting on my counter for a week?

Stale bread is your best friend here! Brioche, challah, or even day-old French bread are fantastic choices because they soak up the custard beautifully. That slightly stale loaf is perfect; fresh bread will just turn to mush.

Help! My bourbon caramel sauce turned out too thick. Is it a lost cause, or can I fix it?

Don't fret; it's easily fixable! If your bourbon caramel sauce is too thick, just add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time, whisking constantly, until you reach your desired consistency. You'll be drizzling like a pro in no time!

I'm not a huge drinker. Can I still make this bourbon bread pudding without the bourbon, or with a substitute?

Of course! You can absolutely omit the bourbon or substitute it. For a non-alcoholic option, try using 1-2 teaspoons of bourbon extract, or even a splash of apple juice for a hint of sweetness and depth. Alternatively, you could use dark rum or brandy for an alternative flavour profile.

Don't worry, it will still taste absolutely brilliant!

How do I store leftover bourbon bread pudding and how long does it last?

Leftover bourbon bread pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through.

It tastes just as delicious the next day, like a boozy bread and butter pudding!