Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel
A decadent dessert made with day-old bread and a bourbon-infused caramel sauce, evoking the warmth of a vintage kitchen. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers day-old bread, whole milk, heavy cream into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, cubed day-old bread
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F; butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 4 cups cubed day-old bread evenly in the dish.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp bourbon until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 3: Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all bread absorbs the liquid; let sit for 20 minutes to soak.
- Step 4: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean, with golden brown edges.
- Step 5: While baking, make caramel sauce: simmer 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until thickened, stirring constantly until smooth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
