Cozy Orleans Bread Pudding

This warm Orleans bread pudding with a smooth bourbon drizzle feels like a cozy comfort blanket. It’s packed with familiar spices and a rich sauce that make every bite unforgettable. Perfect for nights when you want a dessert that’s both soothing and indulgent, it blends soft custardy bread with the gentle kick of bourbon for a delightful treat.

I tried this for the first time on a cold night with friends, and it quickly stole the spotlight with its sweet, warming charm.

What You’ll Need

• Day-old French bread: cut into cubes to soak up all the custardy goodness
• Whole milk and heavy cream: team up for a rich, creamy base
• Large eggs: hold everything together and help the custard set up
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: add balanced sweetness with tiny caramel notes
• Vanilla extract: brings a sweet, floral hint
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: give the warm spices that define the flavor
• Raisins (optional): pop in for extra chewy sweetness
• Unsalted butter: adds richness to both pudding and sauce
• Powdered sugar for the sauce: melts in smoothly for sweetness
• Good bourbon: adds cozy warmth and deep flavor to the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak Bread in Custard:

Start by tossing bread cubes with milk and cream in a big bowl. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread gets soft and loaded with custard.

Whip Up the Custard Mix:

In another bowl, mix eggs with both sugars, vanilla, and the spices until smooth and creamy. This makes the cozy spiced custard.

Mix It All Together:

Pour that egg mixture over the soaked bread and stir gently to bring everything together. Put raisins in here if you want that little sweet surprise.

Get the Dish Ready:

Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan well. This keeps things from sticking and helps serve-up easy.

Bake It Till It’s Golden:

Put your pudding mix in the dish, drizzle melted butter on top, then bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the top is golden and the center feels set.

Make That Bourbon Sauce:

While the pudding cooks, melt butter in a pan over low heat. Stir in powdered sugar and bourbon, keep whisking until smooth. Take off heat and add vanilla to finish with a lovely aroma.

Serve with Sauce Warm:

Scoop warm pudding onto plates, then pour the bourbon sauce over the top generously. It adds a silky sweet boozy kick that lifts every bite.

This bread pudding brings folks together. I remember making it over the holidays and watching everyone come back for more, chatting and laughing all evening long. It’s one of those desserts that just feels like home and comfort in every bite.

How to Store Leftovers

Cover and pop leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep it moist. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy. You can chill the bourbon sauce separately and warm it up before serving to keep the flavor fresh.

Switch It Up

Try dried cherries or chopped dates instead of raisins for a new twist on sweetness and texture. Use brioche or challah to make the pudding richer and more flavorful. Toss chopped toasted pecans on top before baking for a nutty crunch that pairs nicely with the soft pudding.

Extras That Go Well

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra treat. Pair with a strong coffee or a glass of bourbon to bring out all the flavors. A sprinkle of cinnamon powder on top adds that perfect cozy feeling.

This Orleans bread pudding with bourbon drizzle is a timeless treat that’s like a warm hug after a long day. It’s rich, fragrant, and so comforting you’ll want it again and again.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which bread works best for this pudding?

French bread that’s a day old works great since it soaks the custard perfectly without getting mushy, making the texture just right.

→ Can I skip the raisins in the bread?

Sure thing. Raisins aren’t required. You can leave them out or swap them for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist.

→ How do I make the bourbon glaze?

Start by melting butter on low heat, stir in powdered sugar and bourbon, whisk till it's smooth, then add vanilla off the heat for a creamy finish.

→ What’s the best oven temp and baking time?

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes until the pudding is golden and firm in the middle.

→ How do I change the bourbon taste in the glaze?

Play with the amount of bourbon based on how strong you want it. Less bourbon means less alcohol flavor but still rich, more bourbon makes that kick stronger.