Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding – A Comforting Delight

Name: Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 cups stale French bread or brioche, cubed; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing; 1 cup heavy cream (for sauce); ½ cup powdered sugar (for sauce)

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

August 22, 2025

Updated:

August 22, 2025

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Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert is a delightful dish that envelops you in warmth with every bite. Imagine sinking your fork into soft, custardy bread, dripping with rich vanilla sauce, and whispering sweet nothings of nostalgia. The aroma wafts through the air, beckoning family members to gather ‘round the table like moths to a flame.

This classic dessert has a way of transporting you back to cherished moments filled with laughter and love. Whether it’s Christmas dinner or a Sunday family gathering, this bread pudding stands as the star player on the dessert table. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding is simple to prepare, making it perfect for novice bakers
The creamy texture and rich flavors create a heavenly dessert experience
Visually appealing, it looks gorgeous drizzled with warm sauce before serving
Enjoy it warm or chilled, as this dessert is versatile enough for any occasion

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family; they practically swooned at the first bite!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Stale Bread: Use French bread or brioche for the best texture and flavor; day-old works perfectly.
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness; don’t skimp if you want that creamy decadence.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the pudding; adjust to your taste preference.
Eggs: Essential for binding; fresh eggs make all the difference in flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for a more robust aroma and taste.
Cinnamon: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon for that cozy flavor profile.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to grease the baking dish and enrich the custard’s flavor.
Heavy Cream: Add heavy cream to the sauce for an extra luxurious finish; it’s worth it!
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top before serving—because presentation matters too!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients : Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

Cube That Bread! : Cut your stale bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl. Feel free to tear them if you’re feeling rebellious; it’s all going in the same glorious pudding.

Create The Custard Mixture : In another bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Pour this magic potion over your cubed bread.

Saturate Those Cubes! : Gently fold the bread cubes into the custard mixture until every piece is well-coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes—this allows the bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Bake It Up! : Pour everything into your greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes until golden brown and set. You’ll know it’s ready when you see a beautiful golden crust forming.

Create The Sauce : While it’s baking, prepare your sauce by whisking together heavy cream and powdered sugar in a small saucepan over low heat until combined. Drizzle this luscious sauce generously over each slice before serving.

Now that you’ve navigated through this culinary adventure of Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert, get ready to impress everyone around you! Enjoy every delectable bite bursting with nostalgia!

You Must Know

Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert is a beloved treat that combines sweet and savory elements
Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it an irresistible choice for gatherings
Always serve it warm with a drizzle of sauce to elevate the experience

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Prepare your ingredients first, then soak the bread before baking for optimal flavor and texture. This ensures even distribution of flavors while allowing the bread to absorb all that delicious custard goodness.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even nuts to enhance the flavor profile. These additions add a delightful crunch or chewiness that makes each bite more exciting.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfect bread pudding, use stale bread for better texture and absorption
Always let it rest after baking; this helps flavors meld beautifully
Serve with warm caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert experience

Cooking this classic dish reminds me of family gatherings where my grandmother would whip it up just before dessert time. The aroma alone could coax anyone from their seat!

FAQs

FAQ

What type of bread works best in Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert?

Day-old French bread or brioche provides excellent texture and absorbs custard well.

Can I make Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it before serving.

What sauces pair well with Classic New Orleans Bread Pudding A Southern Comfort Dessert?

Bourbon sauce or vanilla ice cream are perfect complements to this decadent dessert.

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