There’s something magical about the aroma of bread pudding baking in the oven – that sweet, warm scent that fills your home and wraps you in comfort. But this isn’t just any bread pudding recipe. This Bourbon Maple Bread Pudding elevates the classic comfort dessert to new heights with rich bourbon notes and the deep sweetness of pure maple syrup. The combination creates a dessert that’s simultaneously rustic and sophisticated, perfect for everything from holiday gatherings to cozy Sunday nights at home.
What makes this bread pudding truly special is how the bourbon and maple flavors transform ordinary bread into something extraordinary. The bread soaks up the custard mixture, becoming pillowy soft in the center while developing a delicately caramelized crust. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth from the bourbon, and that unmistakable maple essence that makes this dessert irresistible. Topped with a velvety bourbon maple sauce that’s drizzled over each serving, this dessert will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.
The beauty of bread pudding lies in its humble origins. Historically created as a way to use stale bread, this dessert has evolved from a simple peasant dish to a beloved comfort food celebrated in kitchens around the world. The addition of bourbon and maple syrup in this recipe pays homage to classic American flavors, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark if possible)
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Bourbon Maple Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes, just until they’re lightly dried out but not browned. This step ensures your bread pudding has the perfect texture – not too soggy. After toasting, transfer the bread to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until well combined. Add the granulated sugar and whisk until the mixture becomes slightly lighter in color. This incorporates air into the custard, making your final bread pudding more delicate. Slowly whisk in the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, bourbon, and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined. Finally, add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Press the bread down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces are submerged in the custard. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes, occasionally pressing down the bread to help it absorb the liquid. For even better results, cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight. This soaking time is crucial – it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a pudding that’s moist throughout with no dry spots.
4. Bake the pudding: Before baking, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked bread. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, until the pudding is puffed, set in the center, and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, though it may be moist.
5. Prepare the bourbon maple sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, make your sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in the maple syrup, heavy cream, and salt, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools but should remain pourable.
6. Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the pudding set up properly so it doesn’t fall apart when served. Drizzle each portion with the warm bourbon maple sauce. For an extra touch of decadence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Maple Bread Pudding
The bread you choose matters tremendously in this recipe. Brioche and challah are ideal because they’re already rich with eggs and butter, which gives your pudding a luxurious base. If you can’t find either, a good quality French bread will work too. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s slightly stale – fresh bread won’t absorb the custard as effectively and can result in a soggy pudding.
Don’t skimp on the soaking time. The longer your bread sits in the custard (within reason), the more flavorful and evenly textured your pudding will be. The overnight method is especially useful if you’re planning to serve this for a brunch or dinner party – you can do all the prep work the day before and simply bake it when you’re ready.
For the bourbon, choose a quality brand that you enjoy drinking. The flavor will come through in the finished dish, so this isn’t the time to use that dusty bottle from the back of the cabinet. If you prefer a less boozy flavor, you can reduce the bourbon to 1-2 tablespoons. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple cider or additional maple syrup and add a dash of bourbon extract for flavor.
This Bourbon Maple Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert – it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of sweet, creamy custard, tender bread, and the complex flavors of bourbon and maple create a dessert that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or simply treating yourself to something special on a quiet evening, this bread pudding is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.