Easy New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe: A Cozy Classic Treat

Nestled in the heart of classic New Orleans bread pudding lies a sweet symphony of comfort and tradition.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable dessert with whispers of southern charm.

Warm vanilla and rich custard create a magical backdrop for rustic bread cubes.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each tender bite, promising pure indulgence.

Local bakeries and grandmothers have long guarded their secret techniques for achieving that perfect, silky texture.

Bourbon-spiked sauce adds a bold twist that makes this dessert unforgettable.

Let your taste buds journey through the sultry streets of New Orleans with this irresistible treat.

FAQs

• What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Day-old French bread or brioche are ideal because they absorb the custard perfectly and provide a rich, soft texture without falling apart.

• Can I make this bread pudding without raisins?

Absolutely! You can omit raisins or substitute with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, pecans, or dried cranberries to customize the flavor.

• Is this dessert difficult to make for beginners?

No, this recipe is quite simple. The key steps are cutting bread, mixing custard ingredients, and allowing bread to soak before baking. Even novice bakers can successfully create this classic dessert.

Why Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Stands Out

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic New Orleans dessert that captures the rich, warm flavors of traditional Southern cooking with every spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the bread pudding by adding raisins, nuts, or changing up the spices to suit your taste preferences and create a unique dessert experience.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, and milk into a luxurious dessert that impresses family and friends without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to a comforting sweet dish that brings people together with its irresistible aroma and taste.

Must-Have Ingredients for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Bread: Soft, day-old bread that creates the classic pudding texture and absorbs the rich custard.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the pudding together.
• Milk: Creates a creamy base for the pudding.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth consistency to the dessert.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the entire dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, deep flavor to the pudding.
• Raisins: Optional ingredient that adds sweet bursts of fruity texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give depth and traditional flavor to the bread pudding.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.

• Melted Butter: Adds extra richness and helps create a golden top.

How to Bake Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Flawlessly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Bread Foundation

Scatter bread cubes evenly across the greased dish.

Sprinkle raisins over the bread if you’re craving that extra burst of sweetness.

Step 3: Whip Up a Creamy Custard

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the luscious custard over the bread cubes, gently pressing down to ensure every morsel gets drenched in the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add Buttery Richness

Drizzle melted butter evenly across the top, creating a golden, decadent layer.

Step 6: Let the Magic Happen

Allow the bread to sit and soak up the custard for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding sets and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with warm bourbon sauce before serving.

Handy Tips for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Success

• Let bread cubes sit in custard mixture for at least 15 minutes to ensure maximum flavor absorption and a rich, creamy texture.
• Use day-old French bread or brioche for the best results, as stale bread soaks up the custard more effectively than fresh bread.
• Cover the pudding with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, protecting the surface from excessive browning while ensuring even cooking.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, pecans, or dried cranberries to create your unique bread pudding twist.
• Pair the pudding with a homemade bourbon sauce or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience that enhances the classic New Orleans style.

Unique Twists on Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread cubes or almond flour bread for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk, eggs with flax eggs, and butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor profile.
• Tropical Remix: Add crushed pineapple and toasted coconut flakes to the custard mixture for a Hawaiian-inspired bread pudding experience.

Perfect Pairings for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Match the bread pudding's rich, sweet profile with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, highlighting complementary caramel and vanilla notes that dance beautifully with the dessert's warm spices.
• Top the warm bread pudding with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding extra creaminess to each luxurious bite.
• Serve alongside a strong, freshly brewed dark roast coffee or espresso, which cuts through the dessert's sweetness and provides a balanced, sophisticated finish to the meal.

How to Keep Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Fresh

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the bread pudding in the original baking dish or transfer to a sealed container, ensuring it stays fresh and moist.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of milk to prevent dryness and restore softness.
• Warm at 325F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top slightly and restore the original texture.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent New Orleans Bread Pudding whisks classic Southern comfort into a creamy, bourbon-kissed dessert that dances with rich caramel notes. Warm vanilla sauce and candied pecans complete this irresistible southern treat you’ll savor to the last delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 kg) day-old French or brioche bread, cubed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (473 ml) milk
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150 g) raisins
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Arrange bread cubes uniformly in a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, generously scattering raisins across the surface.
2. Craft a luxurious custard by whisking milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
3. Gently cascade the custard over bread cubes, tenderly pressing to ensure complete liquid absorption.
4. Drizzle melted butter evenly, creating a golden, rich layer across the top.
5. Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes, enabling bread to thoroughly soak and develop depth of flavor.
6. Position the baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the pudding to transform for 40-45 minutes until it sets with a delicate golden crust.
7. Extract from oven and permit slight cooling, creating an anticipatory moment before serving.
8. For an indulgent finale, accompany with a warm, decadent bourbon sauce that elevates the classic New Orleans dessert.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture, as it absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming too soggy.
• Experiment with different bread types like brioche, challah, or French bread to create unique flavor variations.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for heavy cream and use half the amount of butter.
• Customize the pudding by adding alternative mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries instead of raisins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg