If you're ready to indulge in the rich flavors of New Orleans, this Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is the perfect dessert for you! Combining soft, day-old French bread with creamy milk, eggs, warm spices, and plump raisins, this pudding delivers a comforting texture and irresistible taste. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance—a decadent bourbon sauce that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.

Perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself, this recipe captures the essence of NOLA charm. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful masterpiece step by step!

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Why This Recipe Is So Irresistible

This bread pudding isn’t just another dessert—it’s a celebration of tradition and indulgence:

• Soft & Custardy : The French bread soaks up the milk and egg mixture for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Warm Spices : Allspice and cinnamon add depth and aroma, evoking memories of cozy evenings.
• Bourbon Sauce : Rich, caramelized goodness ties the whole dish together with a boozy kick.
• Customizable : Swap out raisins for chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried cherries for variety.

Whether served warm or chilled, this pudding promises to satisfy every sweet tooth.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Pudding:

• 1 large loaf French bread (approximately 14–16 ounces), torn into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups milk
• 3 eggs , lightly beaten
• 2 cups sugar (granulated)
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins
• 3 tablespoons butter , melted

For the Bourbon Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter , melted
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2–3 tablespoons bourbon (adjust to taste)
• Optional: Pinch of salt for balance

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prep the French Bread

Tear the loaf of French bread into bite-sized chunks and place them in a large mixing bowl. If using fresh bread, toast it slightly to prevent sogginess.

3. Make the Custard Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, allspice, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture over the torn bread, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Let the bread soak for 10–15 minutes , pressing down occasionally to absorb the liquid fully.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, cover and refrigerate the soaked bread mixture for at least 1 hour before baking.

4. Add Raisins and Butter

Fold in the raisins and drizzle the melted butter over the soaked bread. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

5. Bake Until Golden

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and the center feels set but still slightly custardy.

6. Prepare the Bourbon Sauce

While the bread pudding bakes, make the bourbon sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture turns amber-colored (about 3–5 minutes ). Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, continuing to cook for another 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon.

Caution: Be careful when adding the cream to hot caramel—it may bubble vigorously.

7. Serve Warm with Sauce

Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with the bourbon sauce and garnish with powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Use Stale Bread : Day-old French bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
• Don’t Skimp on Spices : Allspice and cinnamon enhance the overall flavor profile—don’t skip them!
• Adjust Alcohol Content : Use less bourbon for a milder sauce or omit it entirely for kids or non-drinkers.
• Make It Ahead : Prepare the bread pudding base up to a day in advance; assemble and bake just before serving.

 

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Conclusion

This Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is more than just dessert—it’s a slice of history and tradition wrapped in buttery goodness. With its tender crumb, spiced custard, and boozy bourbon sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.

So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor this delightful creation! Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below—we’d love to see how they turned out.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other articles for more dessert inspiration and easy baking ideas. Happy baking, and remember—life’s too short not to enjoy something sweet now and then! 🍴✨