Description

This rich bread pudding with a decadent caramel whiskey sauce is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. Made with buttery brioche and a smooth vanilla custard, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat with a grown-up twist.

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf brioche bread, day-old, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 12 oz)
5 large eggs
2 ½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for greasing)
Optional: ½ cup golden raisins or chopped pecans
For the Caramel Whiskey Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons whiskey
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the bread: Use day-old brioche. If fresh, toast cubes in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Make the custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine bread and custard: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add bread cubes and optional raisins or pecans. Pour custard evenly over bread. Press gently to soak. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. For deeper flavor, refrigerate up to 4 hours.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Make the Caramel Whiskey Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then boil without stirring for 5-7 minutes until deep amber. Remove from heat. Carefully whisk in cream, then butter, whiskey, and salt until smooth.
Serve: Drizzle warm caramel whiskey sauce over each serving of the bread pudding with whiskey caramel.

Notes

For a hands-off version, adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by layering ingredients and cooking on low for 3-4 hours.
Serve with vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream, cranberry compote, or roasted pears.
Pair with a hot toddy, spiked apple cider, black coffee, or espresso.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving

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