Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

There’s something about a warm, gooey bread pudding that just feels like home, and if you’ve never tried a Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding, you’re in for a real treat. This Southern classic is a rich, comforting dessert that’s loaded with all the flavors you crave—sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread, buttery goodness, and a decadent vanilla sauce to pour over the top. Each bite is like a warm hug in dessert form, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in New Orleans kitchens. Trust me, this is the kind of dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

Comforting & Cozy: There’s nothing like the heartwarming comfort of bread pudding, especially when it’s fresh from the oven and still warm. It’s the perfect dessert to end any meal, or to enjoy on its own with a cup of coffee.

Easy to Make: The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make this! With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you’ll be able to whip up this decadent treat in no time.

Perfect for Leftovers: This is a great way to use up stale bread. In fact, the older the bread, the better! It absorbs the custard mixture beautifully and becomes even more flavorful as it soaks up all the sweetness.

Drizzled with Sauce: What makes this bread pudding truly stand out is the warm, buttery vanilla sauce poured over it. It takes it to another level of indulgence and is the perfect finishing touch for this already amazing dessert.

Ingredients in Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

This classic recipe is made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, but the combination creates pure magic:

Bread: Traditional bread pudding calls for day-old French bread, but you can also use brioche or challah if you prefer. The more stale the bread, the better it soaks up the custard.

Eggs: The eggs form the rich custard base that makes this dessert so creamy and smooth.

Milk & Heavy Cream: These create the creamy texture and contribute to the richness of the pudding. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with just milk for a slightly lighter version.

Sugar: The sweetness of the bread pudding comes from granulated sugar, with just enough to balance the richness without being overpowering.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and gives the pudding a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth to the flavor profile and give the pudding its signature comforting taste.

Butter: You’ll use butter in both the bread pudding and the vanilla sauce, adding a rich, golden flavor to both components.

Raisins (optional): Traditional bread pudding often includes raisins, which add little bursts of sweetness throughout the dessert. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out or substitute with other dried fruits like currants or cranberries.

For the Sauce: Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to make it the perfect topping.

Vanilla Extract: The same vanilla you used in the pudding will also flavor the sauce, creating a seamless, delicious experience.

Rum or Bourbon (optional): Some classic recipes add a bit of rum or bourbon to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering bread pudding:

Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, slice your bread into cubes—about 1-inch pieces. If your bread isn’t stale, toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out a bit. The drier the bread, the better it will absorb the custard!

Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth. This custard mixture is the heart of your bread pudding, so whisk until everything is perfectly blended.

Combine Bread and Custard

Toss the bread cubes into the custard mixture, stirring gently to coat each piece. If you’re adding raisins, mix them in now. Let the bread sit in the custard for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the mixture.

Bake the Pudding

Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, then bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding has set. You can check doneness by inserting a knife into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

Make the Vanilla Sauce

While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly. If you’re using rum or bourbon, add it to the sauce now and cook for another minute to let the alcohol cook off.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling the warm vanilla sauce over the top. Serve the bread pudding warm, and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g (28% DV)
Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
Cholesterol: 95mg (32% DV)
Sodium: 200mg (8% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 45g (15% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 15% DV
Vitamin C: 2% DV
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it over the top:

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.

Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries or a slice of banana can cut through the richness of the pudding and add a nice balance.

Coffee or Tea: Pair it with a cup of coffee, espresso, or a hot cup of tea for the perfect finishing touch to your dessert experience.

Additional Tips

• Use Stale Bread: The best bread for this recipe is stale or slightly dried-out bread. Day-old French bread, brioche, or even cinnamon rolls work great for soaking up the custard.
• Make It Ahead: You can prep the bread pudding the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a spiced rum sauce, feel free to add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a more decadent touch.
• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts make a nice addition to the bread pudding if you enjoy a bit of crunch.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of bread?
A1: Yes! While French bread is classic, you can also use brioche, challah, or even cinnamon rolls for a unique twist.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
A2: Of course! The alcohol in the sauce is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with extra vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice for added flavor.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze bread pudding?
A4: Yes, you can! Freeze the bread pudding without the sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Q5: How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
A5: To make this dairy-free, use almond milk or coconut milk in place of the milk and heavy cream. You can also substitute with dairy-free butter for the sauce.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips?
A6: Absolutely! Adding a handful of chocolate chips is a great way to make this bread pudding even more indulgent. They’ll melt beautifully into the pudding.

Q7: Is there a way to make this recipe lower in sugar?
A7: Yes! You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the bread pudding and the sauce. For the sauce, you can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free option.

Q8: Can I make this bread pudding without eggs?
A8: Yes! To make it egg-free, use an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or a commercial egg substitute.

Q9: How can I make the bread pudding extra rich?
A9: For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream and add extra butter. You can also substitute some of the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake the pudding in a larger dish. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a sweet, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to something special. With its rich custard and warm vanilla sauce, it’s a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Print