Rich, buttery, and incredibly comforting, this restaurant-style bread pudding is loaded with soft custardy bread and topped with a warm, silky whiskey cream sauce. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want a decadent Southern-style dessert!
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8–10
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 1 loaf French bread or brioche, cut into cubes (about 10 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
For the Whiskey Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread bread cubes evenly into the dish.
- If using raisins, sprinkle them over the bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Melted butter
Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Combine
- Pour custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes.
- Press bread gently so it absorbs the liquid.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes until golden brown and center is set.
The top should be lightly crisp while the inside stays soft and custardy.
Step 5: Make the Whiskey Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat combine:
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
Cook while stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Whiskey or bourbon
- Vanilla extract
Step 6: Serve
- Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls.
- Drizzle generously with whiskey sauce.
Serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Delicious with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Pecans
- Coffee
- Caramel drizzle
- Fresh berries
💡 Tips for Best Results
Use Day-Old Bread
Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Allowing the bread to soak creates a softer texture.
Brioche Makes It Richer
For a more luxurious pudding, use brioche or challah.
Add Sauce Just Before Serving
Warm sauce tastes best freshly poured over hot pudding.
🔄 Variations
Chocolate Bread Pudding
Add:
- Chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder
Nutty Version
Mix in:
- Pecans
- Walnuts
Non-Alcoholic Sauce
Replace whiskey with:
- Vanilla extract
- Apple juice
- Maple syrup
🥶 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the pudding the night before and bake the next day.
What bread works best?
French bread, brioche, challah, or Texas toast all work well.
Does the alcohol cook out?
Most of the alcohol cooks off, but some flavor remains.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes — freeze without sauce for up to 2 months.
⚖️ Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 34g
✅ WW Points (Estimated)
- 15–17 Points per serving
🌟 Optional Add-Ons
Try topping with:
- Toasted pecans
- Cinnamon sugar
- Salted caramel
- Bourbon whipped cream
- White chocolate drizzle
- Powdered sugar