Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding Recipe
This Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding is a rich and comforting dessert featuring tender brioche soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and topped with a warm, boozy caramel sauce made with whiskey. Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, this pudding combines the luscious flavors of caramel, warm spices, and a hint of bourbon for an indulgent treat.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Bread: Place the cubed brioche or French bread into a large mixing bowl to get ready for the custard soak.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and gently mix to ensure all pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
- Add Pecans and Transfer: Stir in the chopped pecans if using, then transfer the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Pudding: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Prepare Whiskey Caramel Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine and prevent lumps.
- Add Whiskey and Flavorings: Stir in the whiskey, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and is glossy.
- Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and drizzle the warm whiskey caramel sauce generously over each serving. Enjoy warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For best texture, use slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy.
- Chopped pecans add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted or substituted with walnuts or toasted almonds.
- Adjust whiskey amount to taste or substitute with bourbon, brandy, or rum for flavor variations.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to help it set further and enhance flavors.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently; sauce can be warmed separately if it thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: bread pudding, whiskey caramel sauce, dessert, bourbon, caramel bread pudding, winter dessert, comfort food