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Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://juliandempsey.com/whiskey-caramel-bread-pudding-recipe/