The Magic of Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

Sweet memories of my grandmother’s kitchen come alive with this classic new orleans bread pudding that brings comfort and warmth to every bite.

Whispers of cinnamon and vanilla dance through her cherished recipe, passed down through generations.

My family always gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating each spoonful of this rich, custardy dessert.

Soft bread soaks up a luscious mixture of eggs, milk, and subtle spices, creating a texture that melts in your mouth.

Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a decadent touch that transforms a simple dessert into something extraordinary.

Hints of bourbon give this pudding a distinctive southern charm that makes it impossible to resist.

I promise this recipe will become a treasured favorite in your own home, inviting you to create delicious memories.

Ingredients for New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Bread: A stale or day-old French bread that provides the perfect base and texture for this classic dessert.
• Milk: Creates a rich and creamy custard that binds the bread pudding together.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and depth to the pudding's base.
• Eggs: Help to set the pudding and create a smooth, custardy consistency.

• Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness to balance the rich custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that give the bread pudding its classic New Orleans flavor profile.

• Raisins: Optional add-in that brings a sweet, chewy texture to the dessert.
• Melted Butter: Adds extra richness and helps create a golden brown top.
• Caramel Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional toppings that elevate the bread pudding to a decadent dessert.

Step-by-Step New Orleans Bread Pudding Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Arena

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Flavor Explosion

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh eggs
• Pure vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Blend everything until smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Bread Bath Time

Toss your bread cubes into the creamy mixture.

Gently fold and coat each piece, letting them soak up all the delicious flavors for 15-20 minutes. This is where magic happens!

Step 4: Raisin the Game

If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some raisins. Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Drizzle melted butter on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Pro tip: A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with a decadent caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prepare for taste bud fireworks!

Tips for Perfect New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Allow bread cubes to absorb the custard mixture completely for maximum flavor and perfect texture.
• Use day-old or slightly stale bread to prevent soggy pudding and maintain ideal consistency.
• Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, pecans, or bourbon-soaked dried fruits for personalized taste.
• Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to ensure even cooking.
• Enjoy warm for the most decadent experience, but the pudding also tastes delicious at room temperature.

Variations of Classic Bread Pudding to Try

• Chocolate Lover's Pudding: Replace raisins with dark chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a rich, decadent chocolate bread pudding.
• Bourbon Pecan Sensation: Mix chopped pecans into the bread mixture and splash bourbon into the custard for a Southern-style boozy version with nutty crunch.
• Tropical Paradise Pudding: Swap raisins for diced pineapple and coconut flakes, then add a hint of rum extract to transport your taste buds to a Caribbean getaway.
• Berry Bliss Variation: Fold fresh mixed berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries into the bread pudding for a fruity, colorful twist on the classic recipe.

Best Pairings with New Orleans Bread Pudding

• Pair Rich Bourbon Whiskey: Smooth, caramel-forward bourbon complements the dessert's warm spices and sweet custard base, enhancing the bread pudding's rich flavors.
• Serve Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Cold, velvety vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast with the warm pudding, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness.
• Match New Orleans-Style Café au Lait: Traditional chicory coffee with steamed milk echoes the recipe's Louisiana roots, providing a robust and aromatic accompaniment that cuts through the pudding's richness.
• Complement Dark Spiced Rum: Aged rum with hints of molasses and vanilla mirrors the dessert's deep caramel notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that celebrates New Orleans' culinary heritage.

Storage Suggestions for Bread Pudding

• Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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 the entire pudding in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place bread pudding in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What makes bread pudding a classic New Orleans dessert?

New Orleans cuisine deeply values transforming simple ingredients like stale bread into delicious dishes, reflecting the city’s resourceful culinary heritage and French Caribbean influences.

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use French bread, brioche, or challah. Slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively and creates a richer texture.

• Is bread pudding a healthy dessert option?

While delicious, bread pudding is considered a high-calorie treat due to ingredients like heavy cream, eggs, and sugar. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional indulgence.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Techniques

• Indulge Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic New Orleans dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors reminiscent of traditional Southern cooking.
• Customize with Ease: Add personal touches like raisins, different spices, or toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions where you want a delicious dessert that impresses without requiring professional baking skills.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses simple pantry staples most home cooks already have, making it a budget-friendly and accessible treat that doesn't demand specialty ingredients.

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern comfort shines through this classic New Orleans bread pudding, blending rich custard with tender bread and warm spices. Creamy whiskey sauce crowns this indulgent dessert, inviting you to savor a slice of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups day-old French bread, cubed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup raisins

Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Combine milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking until thoroughly blended.
2. Gently fold bread cubes into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece becomes saturated. Allow ingredients to meld for 15-20 minutes, enabling bread to absorb flavors completely.
3. Incorporate raisins throughout the pudding mixture, distributing them evenly for consistent sweetness.
4. Transfer the soaked bread mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
5. Drizzle melted butter across the surface, which will contribute to a rich, golden exterior during baking.
6. Position the dish in a preheated 350F (175C) oven, baking for approximately 45-50 minutes until the top transforms into a deep golden-brown shade and the center sets firmly.
7. Verify doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should emerge clean without any liquid residue.
8. Remove from oven and allow slight cooling for enhanced texture and flavor development.
9. Serve while warm, optionally embellishing with a luxurious caramel sauce or complementing with a pristine scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Soak bread thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor absorption and soft, custardy texture.
• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results, as it will soak up the creamy mixture more effectively.
• Customize by swapping raisins with chocolate chips, pecans, or bourbon-soaked dried fruits for a personalized twist.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk, and use egg whites instead of whole eggs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 110mg