Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic American dessert made with day-old bread soaked in a rich bourbon-infused custard, baked to golden perfection and served with a silky bourbon cream sauce. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers day-old bread, 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 320 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.

★ 4.8 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 8 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and arrange 6 cups cubed bread evenly in the dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 eggs, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup bourbon until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour custard mixture over bread cubes, pressing down gently to saturate all bread. Let sit 15 minutes, then sprinkle 1/2 cup raisins over the top.
  4. Step 4: Bake 50-60 minutes until golden and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, with no liquid visible.
  5. Step 5: Let cool 15 minutes, then dust with 1/4 cup powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce?

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 Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce?

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 Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce 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 Classic Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cream Sauce?

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.

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