Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
A warm, spiced bread pudding soaked in custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a rich whiskey-infused sauce. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers cubed (1-inch) day-old French 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 450 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
- 6 cups cubed (1-inch) day-old French bread
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup whiskey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for sauce)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 6 cups cubed day-old French bread into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, add 1/2 cup golden raisins, and gently toss to coat all bread evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Step 4: Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish, drizzle 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter over the top, and bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Step 5: While pudding bakes, prepare whiskey sauce by combining 1/4 cup whiskey, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove pudding from oven, let cool 10 minutes, and serve warm drizzled generously with the whiskey sauce for a classic Southern treat.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey 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 New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey 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 New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey 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 New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey 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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