The Best Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe Ever Made

Sweet memories of my grandmother’s classic New Orleans bread pudding always transport me to warm, cozy kitchens filled with rich, comforting aromas.

Nostalgic recipes carry incredible stories about culinary traditions passed through generations.

Her secret ingredient made this dessert absolutely magical for everyone gathered around the table.

Soft, custardy textures and deep caramel notes define this incredible Southern delicacy.

Crispy edges contrasting with smooth, creamy centers create pure dessert magic that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite connects you to generations of incredible home cooks who understood real comfort comes through simple, lovingly prepared dishes.

Come experience a slice of authentic louisiana heritage that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Storage Tips for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Store cooled bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or entire pudding in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place date on container for tracking.
• Warm individual serving for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add splash of cream or milk to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Warm at 325F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Drizzle extra sauce before serving to refresh texture and enhance flavor.

FAQs for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Can I use stale bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively and creates a better texture for bread pudding.

• Is it okay to skip the bourbon or rum?

Yes, you can omit the alcohol completely. The pudding will still taste delicious, and you can replace it with vanilla extract or simply leave it out.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The pudding is done when it’s set in the middle and the top is golden brown. Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance. Just reheat it in the oven at 325F for about 15 minutes before serving to restore its warm, soft texture.

Why Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Is So Delicious

• Celebrate Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic New Orleans dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful of rich, custardy goodness.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you want to impress guests with a traditional Southern treat that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal kitchen skills required – just mix, pour, and bake. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours creating it.
• Customize with Ease: Swap raisins for chocolate chips, add different nuts, or experiment with various liquors to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated technique.

Ingredients for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• French Bread, Day-Old Bread: Stale bread provides the perfect foundation for soaking up the rich custard mixture.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a smooth and luxurious custard base for the pudding.
• Butter, Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps enhance the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the bread pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor to the entire dessert.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: These warm spices contribute a classic, comforting taste profile.

• Raisins, Pecans: Add texture and additional flavor to the bread pudding.
• Bourbon, Rum: Introduces a complex, rich undertone to the dessert.

• Butter: Creates a smooth base for the sauce.
• Sugar: Helps create a sweet, caramelized sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Bourbon, Rum: Provides depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

• Eggs: Help bind the custard and create a stable, set pudding texture.

How to Prepare Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Bread Breakdown

Tear or slice your bread into chunky cubes and scatter them across the greased baking dish. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will soak up all the delicious custard goodness.

Step 3: Whip Up the Custard Magic

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

• Raisins
• Pecans
• Bourbon
• Rum

Step 4: Bread Bath Time

Gently pour the luscious custard mixture over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to press down, ensuring every single bread piece gets completely drenched in the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pudding sets and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Decadent Sauce Creation

• Melt butter over medium heat
• Stir in sugar until dissolved
• Pour in heavy cream
• Add bourbon or rum (if desired)
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
• Remove from heat
• Stir in vanilla extract

Step 7: Serve and Indulge

Dish out the warm bread pudding and drizzle with the sinful sauce. Prepare for pure culinary bliss!

Pro Tips for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Select Stale Bread: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard mixture, creating a more rich and decadent texture.
• Soak Thoroughly: Press bread cubes gently into the custard to ensure complete moisture and even flavor distribution throughout the pudding.
• Customize Mix-ins: Add raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture, making the dessert more personalized and exciting.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels in both pudding and sauce to match your taste preferences, creating a perfectly balanced dessert.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the pudding with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring even cooking and preventing a burnt top.

Variation Ideas for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Gluten-Free Bread Pudding: Replace traditional bread with gluten-free bread or almond flour bread for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Comfort Version: Swap eggs and dairy with coconut milk, flax eggs, and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reducing overall calorie and glycemic impact for health-conscious individuals.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes into the custard for a Caribbean-inspired bread pudding experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Sip Southern Bourbon Whiskey: Pair the rich, custardy bread pudding with a smooth New Orleans-style bourbon that complements the dessert's warm spices and caramel notes.
• Scoop Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm bread pudding with a cold scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Brew Chicory Coffee: Serve alongside a classic New Orleans chicory coffee, which offers a slightly bitter, robust flavor that balances the sweet, decadent pudding.
• Match Crème Anglaise Sauce: Enhance the bread pudding with an additional drizzle of crème anglaise, amplifying the dessert's luxurious custard base and providing extra creamy indulgence.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sultry New Orleans Bread Pudding brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with rich bourbon-vanilla custard and silky caramel sauce. Creamy, indulgent slices invite sweet revelations that connect you to Louisiana’s soulful culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Base:

• 6 cups stale bread, cubed (preferably French bread or challah)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Binding:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

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

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup bourbon or dark rum

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Instructions

1. Arrange bread cubes evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring uniform coverage for optimal absorption.
2. Craft a luxurious custard by vigorously whisking milk, cream, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smoothly integrated.
3. Incorporate optional raisins, pecans, bourbon, or rum into the custard mixture for enhanced depth of flavor.
4. Delicately cascade the custard over bread cubes, gently pressing to guarantee complete saturation and even distribution.
5. Position the dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing the pudding to transform for 45-50 minutes until golden and set with a subtle wobble.
6. While pudding bakes, craft the decadent sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, dissolving sugar, and introducing cream and optional spirits.
7. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then remove from heat and infuse with vanilla extract.
8. Allow pudding to rest momentarily after removing from oven, creating a perfect temperature for serving.
9. Present warm, generously drizzling the rich sauce over the pudding, creating an indulgent New Orleans-style dessert experience.

Notes

• Choose stale, day-old bread for maximum absorption and rich texture that prevents soggy results.
• Experiment with bread varieties like brioche, challah, or French bread to add unique flavor profiles and textures.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular bread with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut bread.
• Reduce sugar content by using half the recommended amount or replacing sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg