Pumpkin Walnut Bread Pudding With Kentucky Bourbon Sauce
A rich pumpkin bread pudding infused with warm spices and topped with Kentucky bourbon sauce, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert lovers seeking comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 2 tsp. unsalted butter
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream ⓘ
- 5 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. grated orange zest ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Grand Marnier
- 2 cups cooked and mashed pumpkin ⓘ
- 8 slices white bread ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease an 8-cup ovenproof casserole dish or mold with 2 teaspoons of butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the half and half, heavy cream, eggs, and grated orange zest.
- Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, minced ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and Grand Marnier to the mixture; whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the cooked and mashed pumpkin until smooth.
- Tear the white bread slices into 2-inch pieces and add to the bowl, mixing gently to coat.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden around the edges.
- Serve warm with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce poured over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of white bread. If you're short on time, pre-made pumpkin puree can be used in place of cooked and mashed pumpkin. Ensure your bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the custard mixture. Adjust the spices to your preference, and feel free to add dried fruits for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pumpkin Walnut Bread Pudding warm, drizzled generously with Kentucky Bourbon Sauce for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Tillie'S Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack, but the oven will help maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Walnut Bread Pudding With Kentucky Bourbon Sauce contains roughly 801 calories, with 10g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 16g 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 store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the final dish.
What can I substitute for the Grand Marnier?
If you don't have Grand Marnier, orange juice or another orange liqueur can be used as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using orange extract or simply omitting it while adding a little extra zest for flavor.
Can I freeze the bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the bread pudding. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven for best results.
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).