Irresistible Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

Rich, decadent bread pudding from new orleans whispers tales of culinary tradition and sweet comfort.

Locals have cherished this dessert for generations, passing down recipes through intimate family gatherings.

Warm spices and creamy texture invite memories of cozy kitchens and nostalgic moments.

Every bite promises a delightful journey through southern hospitality and classic flavors.

Bourbon-soaked raisins and custard-drenched bread create a symphonic experience that celebrates simple ingredients.

Indulge in this classic treat that connects generations through its irresistible charm.

Bread Pudding FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this recipe?

French bread is ideal because it has a sturdy texture that absorbs the custard mixture perfectly without falling apart, creating a rich and creamy bread pudding.

• Can I make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can completely omit the bourbon from the sauce or replace it with vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version that still tastes delicious.

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

The pudding is done when it’s set in the center and has a golden brown top. Insert a knife near the center – it should come out clean, indicating the custard is fully baked.

• Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

No, pecans are optional. You can skip them entirely or substitute with other nuts like walnuts, or add no nuts at all depending on your preference.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Appeal

• Savor Southern Comfort: Classic New Orleans bread pudding delivers rich, heartwarming flavors that transport you straight to Louisiana's culinary soul.
• Rescue Stale Bread: Transform leftover French bread into a decadent dessert, reducing food waste while creating a luxurious treat that feels like a gourmet indulgence.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This recipe guarantees smiles with its perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and creamy elements that appeal to all ages and taste preferences.
• Customize with Ease: Customize by adding different nuts, skipping bourbon, or adjusting spices to match your personal taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients For New Orleans Bread Pudding

• French Bread: Soft bread that provides the hearty foundation for this classic dessert.
• Eggs: Rich binding agent that helps create the pudding's creamy texture.
• Milk: Liquid component that softens the bread and adds moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetener that enhances the overall flavor of the pudding.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional New Orleans dessert character.
• Raisins, Chopped Pecans: Texture-adding ingredients that provide bursts of sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Heavy Cream, Granulated Sugar, Butter: Classic sauce base that creates a smooth, rich topping.
• Bourbon: Optional ingredient that introduces a signature New Orleans flavor profile to the sauce.

New Orleans Bread Pudding How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Bread Magic

• French bread, cubed
• Eggs
• Milk
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

• Plump raisins
• Chopped pecans
• Melted butter

Ensure bread is thoroughly coated and absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and a set, slightly jiggly center.

Step 4: Craft the Decadent Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Butter

Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, slightly thickened sauce. Optional: Splash in bourbon for an extra kick of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly. Drizzle generously with the warm, luxurious sauce. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with pure dessert delight.

Tips For Classic Bread Pudding

• Bread Selection Boost: Use day-old French bread or brioche for maximum texture and flavor absorption.
• Prevent Dryness: Soak bread cubes thoroughly in the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated to create a moist, creamy pudding.
• Raisin Alternative: Swap raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different sweet twist in the recipe.
• Texture Secret: Gently fold ingredients to maintain bread cube structure and prevent mushy consistency.
• Sauce Enhancement: Add a splash of vanilla or rum to the sauce for deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Flavor Variations For Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace French bread with gluten-free bread cubes, ensuring a celiac-friendly dessert that maintains the classic texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers' Version: Swap raisins with chocolate chips, add cocoa powder to the custard mixture, creating a rich and decadent bread pudding experience.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond milk instead of regular milk, coconut cream for sauce, and plant-based butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the traditional taste.
• Low-Sugar Variation: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly dessert that still delivers authentic New Orleans comfort.

Pairings For New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Savor Rich Bourbon Whiskey Pairing: Complement the dessert's deep, warm flavors with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, which echoes the sauce's bourbon notes and enhances the pudding's sweet, spicy profile.
• Create Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top the warm bread pudding with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the pudding's warm, custardy consistency.
• Design Robust Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a strong, dark roast coffee or chicory coffee typical of New Orleans, which cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a delightful bitter counterpoint to the sweet, nutty pudding.

Storing Bread Pudding Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Portion bread pudding into individual servings, wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between each interval. Stop when warm throughout, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Warm in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Nostalgic New Orleans bread pudding whisks classic Southern comfort through rich custard-soaked bread and warm bourbon sauce. Sweet memories dance on spoons while creamy textures melt into delicious Southern comfort you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Mix-ins and Additions:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) raisins
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange cubed French bread in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution.
2. Craft a luscious custard by whisking eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until harmoniously blended.
3. Cascade the aromatic custard over bread cubes, gently folding to ensure thorough saturation.
4. Incorporate raisins, chopped pecans, and melted butter, stirring with delicate movements to maintain bread’s structural integrity.
5. Transfer the luxurious mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the pudding to bake for 45-50 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the center sets firmly.
7. While pudding bakes, construct a decadent sauce by combining heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a simmering saucepan over medium heat.
8. Stir the sauce continuously until it achieves a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
9. Optional: Introduce a splash of bourbon for an extra layer of complexity.
10. Remove bread pudding from oven and allow brief cooling to stabilize its structure.
11. Generously drizzle warm sauce over the pudding just before serving, creating a glistening, indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Choose day-old or slightly stale French bread for better absorption of the custard mixture, ensuring a rich and moist texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or almond milk to reduce calories.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Soak raisins in warm bourbon or rum for 15 minutes before adding to infuse extra depth and moisture into the pudding.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg