Creamy New Orleans Style Bread Pudding Recipe: A Sweet Treat

Sweet memories of louisiana dance through this new orleans style bread pudding, a comforting dessert that whispers tales of southern hospitality.

Crusty French bread soaks up rich custard, creating magic in every single bite.

Warm spices and smooth vanilla weave delectable layers of flavor across each spoonful.

Soft, custardy textures melt like pure magic on your tongue.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, passing down techniques that honor deep culinary traditions.

Rum sauce drizzled on top adds a delightful kick that will make you close your eyes in pure bliss.

Dive into this legendary dessert and let southern comfort wrap you in deliciousness.

Why New Orleans Style Bread Pudding Is A Rich Treat

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert that warms hearts and delights taste buds with its rich, creamy texture and nostalgic charm.
• Master Rustic Baking: Enjoy an approachable recipe that requires minimal technical skills, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to create something spectacular.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a classic Southern-style bread pudding that offers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and indulgent flavors.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, this dessert brings people together with its irresistible aroma and comforting taste.

What You’ll Need For New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• Day-Old French Bread: A hearty bread that provides the perfect texture and helps absorb the rich custard mixture.
• Eggs: The binding agent that gives structure and richness to the pudding.
• Milk: Adds creamy smoothness to the custard base.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness and depth to the pudding.

• Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that enhances the overall dessert.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create a cozy, aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the pudding.

• Raisins, Chopped Pecans: Provide delightful texture and additional flavor complexity.
• Bourbon Whiskey: Adds a sophisticated depth and warmth to the dessert.
• Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish and creating a rich finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a beautiful, sweet dusting on top of the finished pudding.

How To Make New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create Rustic Bread Chunks

Rip the day-old French bread into irregular, bite-sized pieces that will add interesting texture to the pudding.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Custard Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Season the Custard

• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich flavor profile.

Step 5: Soak Bread in Custard

Fold the bread chunks into the custard, allowing them to absorb the liquid for about 10 minutes. This step ensures a luxurious, soft texture.

Step 6: Add Delicious Mix-Ins

• Raisins
• Chopped pecans

Distribute evenly to guarantee a perfect bite every time.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pudding mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it uniformly with a spatula for even cooking.

Step 8: Create Flavor Depth

Melt butter in a small saucepan and drizzle bourbon whiskey over the top of the pudding, adding a sophisticated touch of flavor.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a center that’s set but slightly wobbly.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for 15 minutes, allowing it to set completely.

Step 11: Add Sweet Finishing Touch

Dust generously with powdered sugar, creating a delicate and sweet final layer.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm as a decadent dessert. For extra indulgence, pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips For New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• Choose Stale Bread: Use day-old French bread for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture, preventing soggy or overly mushy pudding.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the pudding with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing burnt edges.
• Boost Flavor Variations: Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes to personalize the bread pudding to your taste preferences.
• Master Custard Consistency: Whisk egg mixture thoroughly and let bread soak for exactly 10 minutes to achieve the perfect creamy, rich texture without becoming too wet or dry.
• Serve at Optimal Temperature: Let the pudding rest for 15 minutes after baking to set properly, allowing flavors to meld and creating a more cohesive dessert experience.

Tasty Variations Of New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace French bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread, maintaining the same custard base and flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lovers' Version: Add dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the custard mixture, creating a rich and indulgent chocolate bread pudding.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Swap raisins with dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert experience.
• Vegan Bread Pudding: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, replace eggs with mashed bananas or silken tofu, and choose plant-based bread for a dairy-free alternative.

Perfect Pairings With New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• Pair with Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a rich, homemade bourbon caramel sauce over the warm bread pudding, enhancing the existing bourbon notes and creating a luxurious flavor explosion.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pudding, providing a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, spiced dessert and balancing the rich custard texture.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Enjoy a warm spiced chai latte that mirrors the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors in the pudding, creating a harmonious blend of warm, comforting spices that elevate the dessert experience.

How To Store New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag, preserving the bread pudding for up to 2 months without compromising texture.
• Warm individual servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds, stopping midway to stir and ensure even heating, preventing dry or tough edges.
• Preheat oven to 325°F, place pudding in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, restoring its original soft and creamy consistency.

FAQs For New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

• What type of bread works best for this bread pudding?

Day-old French bread is ideal because it absorbs the custard mixture perfectly and creates a rich, soft texture without becoming too mushy.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon whiskey. The pudding will still taste delicious, or you can substitute with vanilla extract or apple juice for extra flavor.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and a center that is set but slightly jiggly. The custard should be firm but not completely solid when you gently shake the baking dish.

• Is this dessert best served hot or cold?

Bread pudding is most delicious when served warm, which allows the flavors to be more pronounced and the texture to remain soft and creamy.

New Orleans Style Bread Pudding Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich, comforting New Orleans style bread pudding delivers Southern charm on a plate, blending nostalgic flavors with classic Louisiana hospitality. Warm vanilla sauce and custardy texture invite you to savor each spoonful of this soulful dessert.

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Ingredients

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Bread and Base:

• 1 loaf day-old french bread
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

Toppings and Enhancements:

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• Powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Tear the day-old French bread into rustic, bite-sized chunks, ensuring varied textures for a more interesting pudding.
3. Whisk eggs, milk, and heavy cream together in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Incorporate granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the liquid mixture, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
5. Gently fold the bread chunks into the custard base, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Sprinkle raisins and chopped pecans throughout the soaked bread mixture, distributing them evenly.
7. Transfer the pudding mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly with a spatula.
8. Melt butter in a small saucepan and drizzle bourbon whiskey over the top of the pudding for added depth of flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
10. Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for 15 minutes to allow it to set completely.
11. Dust generously with powdered sugar just before serving, creating a delicate, sweet finish.
12. Serve warm as a decadent dessert, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

• Choose slightly stale French bread for better absorption and richer texture, preventing soggy or overly wet pudding.
• Soak bread chunks slowly to ensure complete custard penetration, creating a more luxurious and consistent dessert.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cinnamon and nutmeg according to personal taste preferences.
• Transform into gluten-free version by substituting French bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour-based alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg