Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
New Orleans Style Bread Pudding Recipe

New Orleans Style Bread Pudding Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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