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The Ultimate Comfort Bread Pudding with Creamy Bourbon Vanilla Sauce

Close-up of a square serving of rich bread pudding topped with thick vanilla glaze dripping down the sides.
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Make this old-fashioned bread pudding using stale bread. It bakes into a rich, creamy dessert topped with a simple bourbon vanilla sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
  • For the Sauce: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Place the cubed bread into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you are using them.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press the bread down to submerge it in the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 20 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid.
  5. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  7. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream and bourbon until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  9. Let the pudding cool slightly before serving warm with a generous pour of the bourbon vanilla sauce.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly dry bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too soggy.
  • If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute it with an equal amount of milk or water and add 1/2 teaspoon more vanilla extract.
  • This dessert is excellent served warm, making it a perfect family favorite dessert for any gathering.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/best-bread-pudding-ultimate-comfort-recipe/