Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

Introduction

Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that combines warm spices, rich custard, and a boozy caramel sauce. This classic recipe turns simple bread into a luscious treat perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed brioche or French bread (slightly stale)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup whiskey (bourbon or preferred brand)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, ¾ cup brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and mix gently to coat. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes to absorb the custard.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped pecans if using, then transfer the mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish.
5. Step 5: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the bread pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center.
6. Step 6: While the pudding bakes, prepare the whiskey caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and whisk continuously until smooth.
8. Step 8: Slowly add ½ cup heavy cream while stirring. Then pour in the whiskey, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue stirring and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Step 9: Drizzle the warm whiskey caramel sauce over the baked bread pudding before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether if preferred.
• For a boozier kick, increase the whiskey to ⅓ cup, but add it cautiously for balanced flavor.
• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Keep the whiskey caramel sauce refrigerated separately and warm it gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, sturdy breads like challah, sourdough, or even a dense white sandwich loaf work well. Avoid very soft or sweet breads that might make the pudding too soggy.

Is the alcohol cooked off in the caramel sauce?

While cooking the sauce reduces some alcohol content, a mild whiskey flavor remains. If you prefer no alcohol, substitute the whiskey with water or extra cream and a splash of vanilla.

Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert featuring cubed brioche soaked in a spiced custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious whiskey-infused caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions, it offers a delightful blend of warm spices, creamy texture, and a boozy caramel finish that elevates a classic bread pudding to a gourmet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups cubed brioche or French bread (slightly stale)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Whiskey Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup whiskey (bourbon or preferred brand)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Bread: Place the cubed brioche or French bread into a large mixing bowl in preparation for soaking.
3. Make Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This mixture will soak into the bread, infusing it with moisture and flavor.
4. Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread and gently mix to coat all pieces evenly. Allow the bread to soak for about 10 minutes, so it absorbs the custard properly.
5. Add Pecans and Transfer: Stir in the chopped pecans if using, then transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The bread pudding should turn golden brown and become set when done.
7. Make Whiskey Caramel Sauce – Melt Butter: While the bread pudding bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add Brown Sugar: Stir in the brown sugar and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined.
9. Incorporate Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring continuously to blend it smoothly.
10. Add Whiskey and Flavorings: Pour in the whiskey, vanilla extract, and salt into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to a luscious caramel consistency.
11. Serve: Drizzle the warm whiskey caramel sauce generously over the freshly baked bread pudding just before serving for a decadent finish.

Notes

• Use slightly stale brioche or French bread for best texture as it soaks up the custard without becoming too soggy.
• Pecans are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Adjust whiskey quantity based on your preferred level of booziness; always cook with caution.
• Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving to allow it to set properly.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding, Bread Pudding, Dessert, Caramel Sauce, Whiskey Dessert, Brioche Bread Pudding