Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Cuisine: American Type: Dessert/Confection

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Bread
6 slices (360)
Milk
2 cups (480)
Sugar
1 cup (200)
Eggs
4 large (200)
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (10)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (2)
Raisins
1 cup (150)
Butter
4 tablespoons (56)
Whiskey
1 cup (240)
Sugar (For Sauce)
1 cup (200)
Totals
67 oz
(1,898 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Bread
200
Milk
150
Sugar
50
Eggs
140
Vanilla Extract
10
Cinnamon
5
Raisins
60
Whiskey
100
Butter
100
Powdered Sugar
30
Totals
845 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 4: In a saucepan, heat milk and butter over medium heat until the butter melts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Step 6: Add the bread cubes to the egg and milk mixture, gently pressing down to ensure all the bread is soaked.
Step 7: Let the bread mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
Step 8: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the bread mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 9: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Step 10: While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the whiskey sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Step 11: Add sugar, whiskey, and heavy cream to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Step 12: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 13: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 14: Serve the warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of the whiskey sauce on top.
Step 15: Optionally, you can garnish the bread pudding with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few chopped nuts.
Step 16: Enjoy your homemade Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce:
1. Bread:
- Substitute with any stale bread or brioche, sliced or torn into small pieces. Adjust the quantity to match the original recipe.
2. Milk:
- Substitute with an equal amount of almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
3. Heavy Cream:
- Substitute with an equal amount of coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
4. Eggs:
- Substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan alternative. Adjust the quantity accordingly.
5. Sugar:
- Substitute with an equal amount of brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for a healthier option. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
6. Vanilla Extract:
- Substitute with an equal amount of almond extract or rum extract for a different flavor profile.
7. Cinnamon:
- Substitute with an equal amount of nutmeg or allspice for a different spice flavor.
8. Whiskey Sauce:
- Substitute with an equal amount of bourbon, rum, or brandy for a different alcohol flavor. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
Note: Adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed, as different ingredients may require slight modifications in the preparation process.
Pairings
- Coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Pecan pie
- Bourbon
- Sweet potato casserole
- Pralines
- Apple pie
- Crème brûlée
- Butterscotch sauce
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Dust the top of the bread pudding with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or a small edible flower as a garnish.
- Serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts to the bread pudding for a crunchy texture.
- Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest into the bread pudding mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the bread pudding before baking to enhance the warm flavors.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular bread with brioche or challah bread for a richer and more indulgent texture.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate chunks instead of regular chocolate chips for a decadent surprise.
- Substitute regular milk with heavy cream for a creamier and more luxurious mouthfeel.
Remember, these enhancements are optional and can be customized based on personal preferences. Enjoy your next-level Louisiana Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce!
Diet Restrictions
- Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread to increase fiber content.
- Replace full-fat milk with low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives to reduce saturated fat.
- Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index.
- Opt for egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute to reduce cholesterol and saturated fat.
- Use a reduced amount of butter or replace it with a healthier oil, such as avocado oil, to lower saturated fat content.
- Decrease the amount of whiskey in the sauce or omit it entirely to reduce alcohol content.
- Consider using a low-sodium or salt substitute option to reduce sodium content.
- Add fruits like berries or diced apples to increase the nutritional value and add natural sweetness.
- Serve with a side of Greek yogurt or a light whipped cream alternative instead of a heavy sauce to reduce calorie and fat intake.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread to increase fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the bread pudding by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk to reduce saturated fat.
- Instead of using a large amount of butter, use a smaller amount of heart-healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil.
- Add more fruits like berries or diced apples to the bread pudding for added nutrients and natural sweetness.
- Opt for a lighter version of the whiskey sauce by using low-fat Greek yogurt or reduced-fat sour cream instead of heavy cream.
- Reduce the amount of whiskey in the sauce or omit it altogether to lower alcohol content.
- Serve the bread pudding with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad to add more vitamins and minerals to the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use day-old bread: Instead of buying fresh bread, use day-old bread that you already have at home. It will save you time and money without affecting the taste.
2. Skip the soaking time: If you're short on time, reduce the soaking time for the bread in the custard mixture. While it may slightly affect the texture, it won't compromise the overall taste significantly.
3. Opt for a stove-top method: Instead of baking the bread pudding in the oven, consider making it on the stove. This way, it will cook faster and save you time on preheating and baking.
4. Use a pre-made whiskey sauce: To save time, consider using a pre-made whiskey sauce available at your local grocery store. It will eliminate the need for making the sauce from scratch while still providing a delicious flavor.
5. Substitute cheaper whiskey: If you're looking to economize, consider using a more affordable brand of whiskey without compromising the taste of the sauce. Experiment with different brands to find one that suits your budget.
6. Make a smaller batch: Adjust the recipe quantities to make a smaller batch of bread pudding. This will save you time during preparation and reduce ingredient costs without sacrificing taste.
7. Simplify the garnishes: Instead of elaborate garnishes, opt for simpler options like powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon. This will save you time and money on purchasing and preparing complex garnishes.
8. Use alternative spices: If you don't have all the spices mentioned in the recipe, feel free to substitute with similar ones that you already have in your pantry. This will save you from buying additional spices and still provide a flavorful outcome.
9. Freeze leftovers: If you have any leftover bread pudding, freeze it in individual portions. This way, you can enjoy it later without having to prepare the dish from scratch, saving you time and ensuring no wastage.
10. Plan ahead: To maximize efficiency, plan your cooking process in advance. Prepare the custard mixture and whiskey sauce ahead of time, refrigerate them, and assemble the bread pudding just before cooking. This will save you time on the day of preparation.