Bourbon Kissed Almond Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Southern Comfort: Bourbon Kissed Almond Bread Pudding!

Indulge in the ultimate southern comfort food with this heavenly bread pudding recipe. Passed down through generations, this twist on Grandma’s classic combines the richness of dense, crusty bread with the warmth of bourbon. It’s a dessert that wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for family gatherings or a special treat on a chilly evening.

As the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through your kitchen, you’ll be transported back to simpler times. This recipe takes the nostalgic flavors of traditional bread pudding and elevates them with a touch of almond and vanilla extracts, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. And let’s not forget the piece de resistance – a velvety bourbon sauce that takes this dessert from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master. The versatility of this dish allows for creative twists, like swapping out raisins for toffee bits for an extra indulgent treat. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Bourbon Kissed Almond Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

1 loaf (12-16 oz) crusty dense bread, cubed

5 large eggs

3 cups whole milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cup raisins (or toffee bits for variation) Soak raisins in additional bourbon, if desired.

For the Bourbon Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter

4 tablespoons bourbon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch square cake pans.

2. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

4. Add the toasted bread cubes to the egg mixture and gently fold until all bread is coated. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.

5. Soak raisins in additional bourbon (for 10 or 15 minutes) if desired, before adding. Drain raisins if soaking and fold in the raisins.

6. Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared cake pans.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. While the pudding bakes, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

9. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the bourbon. Set aside to cool slightly.

10. Once the bread pudding is done, remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

11. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the bourbon sauce.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, use whole wheat bread instead of white bread.
• This pudding can be made ahead and reheated in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Try serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• For a festive touch, add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries along with the raisins during holiday seasons.

Optional Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the bourbon in the sauce with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 12 servings):

Recommended serving size: 1/6 of an 8-inch pan (approximately 3×3 inch square)

Calories: 420

Fat: 18g

Protein: 8g

Carbohydrates: 55g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 38g

Sodium: 230mg

Other Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes

Equipment Used: Oven, 2 8-inch square baking pans, large mixing bowl, whisk, baking sheet, medium saucepan

Estimated cost per serving: $1.50 – $2.00

Total cost: $18 – $24 (varies based on ingredient quality and location)

In Conclusion, Bourbon Kissed Almond Bread Pudding

This Bourbon Kissed Almond Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert. With its rich flavors, comforting texture, and versatile nature, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served as a cozy family dessert or as the star of your next brunch gathering, this bread pudding offers a perfect balance of nostalgia and modern flair. The addition of almond extract and the option to include toffee bits provides room for personalization, while the bourbon sauce elevates it to a truly special treat. Remember, the key to a perfect bread pudding lies in using day-old, crusty bread and allowing it to fully soak up the custard mixture before baking. Enjoy this slice of Southern comfort!

Read more about Texas Foods here.

Fancy Kitchen Helpers

Classic Footed Dessert Cups – Set of 6, 9 OZ

As an Amazon Associate, Texini earns from qualifying purchases.

Join us today for more food ideas on Facebook at Blessed Mess Kitchen!