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Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic bourbon-infused bread pudding recipe. This comforting dessert transforms stale bread into a rich, custardy delight, enhanced by the warm notes of bourbon and a drizzle of bourbon sauce. Perfect for any gathering, this dish combines familiarity with sophistication, leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Discover the key ingredients and tips for creating this indulgent treat that is sure to be a favorite at your table!
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Ingredients
  

For the Bread Pudding:

8 cups day-old bread (French, brioche, or challah), cubed

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Pinch of salt

For the Bourbon Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/3 cup bourbon

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the Bread Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, raisins, and nuts (if using). Toss to combine and set aside.

      Make the Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Gently fold the bread until it’s well soaked. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the liquid completely.

          Bake the Pudding: Transfer the bread mixture to a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches). Cover it with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking until it's golden brown and set in the center.

            Make the Bourbon Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and is smooth. Remove from heat.

              Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with warm bourbon sauce just before serving.

                Enjoy Your Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch!

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10