Bourbon Bread Pudding
Bourbon Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert combining stale French bread soaked in milk and baked with sweet raisins, apple, and vanilla, resulting in a rich, moist treat with a hint of warmth from the bourbon. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings, it offers classic flavors with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cube the French bread and soak it in milk.
- Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, chopped apple, raisins, and margarine to the soaked bread.
- Mix all ingredients together with your hands until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the pudding is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk or a mix of milk and cream. If you want a different fruit, diced pears or dried cherries can be great alternatives to apples and raisins. To enhance the bourbon flavor, you can add a splash of your favorite bourbon to the mixture before baking. For a unique twist, incorporate some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bourbon bread pudding warm, drizzled with a simple bourbon sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Coffee Cake for a delicious brunch spread. For a more decadent experience, add whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bourbon bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bourbon Bread Pudding contains roughly 763 calories, with 7g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value) and potassium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just ensure to bring it to room temperature before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This can actually enhance the flavors.
What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Stale French bread is ideal due to its density, which holds up well during soaking. However, you can also use challah or brioche for a more indulgent version. Just ensure the bread is a bit dry to absorb the milk mixture effectively.
Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Yes, you can use flax eggs or applesauce as substitutes for eggs if you're looking for a vegetarian option. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg or 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).