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New Orleans Bread Pudding

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  • 3.75 from 12 votes

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bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

There’s nothing quite like a good New Orleans bread pudding recipe.

It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

I remember the first time I tried this dish. My aunt was making it for Thanksgiving, and I couldn’t believe how delicious it was. ever since then, I’ve been hooked on this New Orleans bread pudding.

bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

So if you’re looking for a tasty new dessert to try, be sure to give this New Orleans bread pudding recipe a shot!

bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

So there you have it, our New Orleans style bread pudding recipe. We hope you enjoy it! If you do make it, be sure to drop me a comment below on it turned out for ya. and as always, happy baking!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a dessert made with bread, sugar, milk, and eggs. This dessert was developed generations ago when the economy had bottomed out and mothers were doing everything they could to still feed their families.

Why we love this recipe

  • Bread pudding is one of those desserts that always seems to hit the spot.
  • It’s comforting, indulgent, and just a little bit fancy – perfect for any occasion.
  • Rich and creamy custard, made with heavy cream and bourbon.
bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

How should I serve bread pudding?

Bread pudding is best when served with a caramel sauce drizzled or poured over the top. Most often the bread pudding is served with a heavy cream sauce.

Should I use heavy cream for Bread Pudding?

Heavy cream gives a rich creamy texture to the bread pudding. This makes it more of a dessert. Although many will eat Bread Pudding as a breakfast meal.

Why did my bread pudding come out watery?

Too much liquid was used when soaking the bread. That is a common issue. It is best to follow the recipe exactly, even when it does not appear to be enough liquid.

How can I make the Bread Pudding moister?

Many people believe that Bread Pudding should be the same consistency of a box pudding mix. This is not the case for bread pudding. You want some substance to the pudding. Adding a sauce over the top when you are ready to serve the pudding, will add enough moisture.

Can I add other ingredients to Bread Pudding?

Any dried fruit, such as raisins can be added. Many people add in chopped walnuts or pecans. I know of a family or two that actually add in crumbled bacon.

bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

Ingredients:

  • French bread, cubed
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Bourbon Caramel Sauce ingredients:

  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Bourbon
  • Flour
  • Unsalted sweet cream butter
  • Pure vanilla extract

How to make New Orleans Bread Pudding :

Step 1. Using a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

Using a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

Step 2. Place the cubed french bread into a large bowl.

Place the cubed french bread into a large bowl.

Step 3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients over the french bread and allow the bread to soak in the fridge for 2 hours

Step 4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking pan with pam baking spray

Step 5. Pour the soaked bread and milk into the baking dish

Step 6. Bake for 50 minutes or until the center is set

Step 7. Remove from oven

Step 8. Bourbon Caramel Sauce

Step 9. Using a medium pot, whisk until combined the sugar, flour, heavy cream, and bourbon

Step 10. Mix in the butter and allow the mixture to come to a simmer, continue mixing until thick

Step 11. Mix in the vanilla

Step 12. Pour the sauce over the bread pudding

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Step 13. Serve warm with ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or fresh berries!

bread pudding with heavy cream, new orleans bread pudding, best bread pudding recipe

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New Orleans Bread Pudding

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 7
looking for a festive and delicious New Orleans-inspired dessert? Look no further than this New Orleans bread pudding recipe! This sweet and savory dish is perfect for any occasion, and best of all, it's easy to make.
3.75 from 12 votes

Ingredients 

  • 1 – 16 oz french bread, cubed
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 C sugar
  • 1 ½ C whole milk
  • 1 ½ C heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg

Bourbon Caramel Sauce ingredients:

  • ¾ C heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ C Bourbon
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 5 tbsp unsalted sweet cream butter
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

  • Using a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined
  • Place the cubed french bread into a large bowl
  • Gradually pour the wet ingredients over the french bread and allow the bread to soak in the fridge for 2 hours
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 baking pan with pam baking spray
  • Pour the soaked bread and milk into the baking dish
  • Bake for 50 minutes or until center is set
  • Remove from oven
  • Bourbon Caramel Sauce
  • Using a medium pot, whisk until combined the sugar, flour, heavy cream and bourbon
  • Mix in the butter and allow the mixture to come to a simmer, continue mixing until thick
  • Mix in the vanilla
  • Pour the sauce over the bread pudding
  • Serve warm with ice cream, fresh whipped cream or fresh berries!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 739kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 501mg | Potassium: 286mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 1631IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 3mg
Author: Laura

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What can I use in place of milk in the recipe?

You could add in any nondairy milk such as Soy milk, Almond Milk, Rice or Coconut milk.

Can I use heavy cream in place of milk?

Certainly! Heavy Cream will add a creamier texture and a richer flavor to the bread pudding.

How should I store the bread pudding?

Once cooled, it can be wrapped and placed in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can freeze the bread pudding for up to one month.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Many people do. The flavors will blend together to create more of a full flavor. Prepare as usual, cool completely, cover, and place in the refrigerator.  Once cooked, it will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or oven for a short time.

Could I use Whipping Cream that is leftover?

This is a perfect substitution. It will do the same as heavy cream.

Why is my bread pudding so dry?

You may have overcooked the bread pudding. The pudding may be dry, tasteless, and chewy. You may be able to still use it if you add more cream, most often, however, it is best to throw it in the garbage and begin again.

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