Soulful Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding – A Taste of Southern Comfort! 🍞✨
Few desserts capture the heart and soul of New Orleans like a classic bread pudding. This rich, custardy, and perfectly spiced treat has been a Southern favorite for generations, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.
Made with simple pantry staples, this soulful dessert transforms day-old bread into something magical. Whether served plain, drizzled with a decadent sauce, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the ultimate comfort food dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ A Classic, Time-Tested Recipe – Straight from the heart of New Orleans.
✔ Rich, Custardy, and Spiced to Perfection – Every bite melts in your mouth!
✔ Great for Using Leftover Bread – A no-waste, budget-friendly dessert.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it warm for a cozy night in or at a holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 45-50 minutes)
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread works best)
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
👉 Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
✔ 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – For a warm, spiced touch.
✔ 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts – For added crunch.
✔ A splash of bourbon – For a traditional New Orleans flair.
✔ A drizzle of caramel or whiskey sauce – To elevate every bite.
How to Make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Prepare the Bread
- Cube day-old bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
💡 Tip: Slightly stale bread absorbs more custard, giving you the best texture!
3. Make the Custard Mixture
- In another large bowl, whisk together:
✔ Milk
✔ Sugar
✔ Eggs
✔ Vanilla extract
✔ Cinnamon
4. Soak the Bread
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread.
- Stir gently until the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the best texture.
5. Add Raisins (Optional)
- If using raisins, mix them in gently.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Pour the bread mixture into the greased dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake Until Golden
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
8. Cool & Serve
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm, plain, or with a drizzle of cream, caramel, or bourbon sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
✔ Use French Bread or Brioche – These soak up the custard perfectly!
✔ Don’t Overmix – Gently fold everything together to keep it light and fluffy.
✔ Let It Rest Before Baking – Allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
✔ For a Softer Texture – Add an extra ½ cup of milk.
✔ For Extra Sweetness – Sprinkle brown sugar on top before baking.
Fun Variations to Try
🍎 Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding – Add 1 cup diced apples for a fruity twist.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a rich bite.
🥃 Bourbon Bread Pudding – Replace ¼ cup of milk with bourbon for a boozy upgrade.
🥥 Coconut Bread Pudding – Mix in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
What to Serve with New Orleans Bread Pudding
This warm, comforting dessert pairs beautifully with:
☕ Freshly Brewed Coffee – A classic pairing.
🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
🥃 Whiskey or Bourbon Sauce – A traditional New Orleans touch.
🍯 Honey or Caramel Drizzle – Adds extra sweetness.
FAQs About Bread Pudding
Q: Can I make bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the custard-soaked bread and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?
A: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices.
A Warm, Soulful Dessert for Every Occasion!
This Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining warm spices, creamy custard, and soft, pillowy bread in every bite. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with caramel sauce, or with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a treat that brings people together and feels like a warm hug.
Try it out and let me know—what’s your favorite way to enjoy bread pudding? Drop a comment and share your baking tips! 🍞✨
Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding – A Warm & Comforting Treat!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup diced apples
- 4 cups cubed stale bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, diced apples, and chopped nuts.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring the bread is fully soaked.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until set and golden on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
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