A timeless Southern dessert that’s warm, comforting, and oh-so-decadent.
There’s something truly magical about the smell of fresh bread pudding wafting from the oven. It’s like a warm hug in dessert form — buttery, custardy, and filled with the sweetness of tradition. This Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding captures everything we love about Southern baking: resourcefulness, comfort, and just a touch of indulgence.
With chunks of soft, soaked bread baked in a creamy vanilla custard and drizzled with rich bourbon sauce, it’s no wonder this dessert has been a beloved staple in New Orleans kitchens for generations. It’s the kind of dessert you make for special occasions, but one bite reminds you — every day deserves a little celebration.
A Taste of New Orleans in Every Bite 🇺🇸✨
When people think of New Orleans, they picture jazz, gumbo, and beignets — but locals will tell you, bread pudding is every bit as iconic. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, born from the idea of never wasting food. In traditional Creole households, leftover bread was transformed into something spectacular: mixed with milk, eggs, and sugar, then baked into a golden, custardy masterpiece.
Over time, the dish evolved. Some added raisins, some splashed in a bit of rum or bourbon, and others drizzled warm caramel or creamy sauces on top. Today, it stands as a symbol of Southern hospitality — rich, generous, and full of soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the full ingredient list to bring that soulful sweetness into your kitchen:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 10 cups French bread, cubed and slightly stale 🥖
- 4 cups whole milk 🥛
- 4 large eggs 🥚
- 1½ cups granulated sugar 🍚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌸
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- ½ cup raisins (optional) 🍇
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 large egg 🥚
- ½ cup heavy cream 🥛
- 2 tablespoons bourbon 🥃
Step-by-Step Directions: From Simple Ingredients to Pure Comfort
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your baking dish (9×13-inch works best) generously. Bread pudding is meant to release easily, with golden edges and a soft, custardy center.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Place cubed, slightly stale French bread in a large mixing bowl. Pour milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This helps it absorb the liquid and gives the pudding that rich, custard-like texture.
Step 3: Make the Custard Base
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fragrant. Stir in the melted butter, letting it blend into the custard mixture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the custard over the soaked bread. Add raisins if desired (they plump up beautifully while baking). Gently mix everything together—just enough to coat the bread but not break it down completely.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center. Your kitchen will fill with a rich, buttery, spiced aroma that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Make the Bourbon Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and cream, whisking constantly. Add the egg, whisking quickly until the sauce thickens slightly (this happens fast!). Remove from heat and stir in bourbon for that classic New Orleans flair.
Step 7: Serve with Love
Spoon warm bread pudding onto plates and drizzle generously with the bourbon sauce. Serve immediately while it’s warm and melty. Each bite is soft, sweet, and perfectly boozy — pure comfort food bliss.
