Midwest Estate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel
A decadent, nostalgic dessert made with day-old bread, local buttermilk, and a bourbon-infused caramel sauce—perfect for family gatherings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers (cubed, 1-inch pieces) day-old brioche, 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 325 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 pieces) day-old brioche
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 large eggs, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 2: Add 6 cups cubed day-old brioche to the milk mixture, pressing down gently to submerge all pieces. Let sit for 20 minutes, stirring once, until the bread absorbs the liquid and becomes cohesive.
- Step 3: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. While baking, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp bourbon, and simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half, then stir in 1/4 tsp sea salt to make the caramel sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Midwest Estate Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Midwest Estate 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 Midwest Estate 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 Midwest Estate 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 Midwest Estate 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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
