Classic Bread Pudding with Spiced Whiskey Sauce
Revitalize day-old bread with this delightful and heartwarming bread pudding infused with a burst of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you choose to use cinnamon-raisin, whole wheat, or the simple elegance of white bread, this pudding promises comfort in every bite. Complementing the warm richness of the pudding is a lusciously spiced whiskey sauce that adds a sophisticated touch. For a family-friendly option, caramel sauce can be substituted to balance the savory-sweet complexities. This recipe, inspired by 'Betty Crocker Country Favorites,' infuses a nostalgic charm into every serving.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
2 cups
butter (or margarine)
1/4 cup (melted)
sugar
1/2 cup
ground cinnamon (or nutmeg)
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
dry bread cubes
6 cups (about 8 slices of bread)
raisins
1/2 cup ((optional))
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
butter (or margarine)
1/2 cup
Bourbon
3 tablespoons (or 4 tablespoons Bourbon, or 2 teaspoons brandy extract)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat until the butter is fully melted and the milk is hot. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
3
In a large mixing bowl, blend the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and slightly beaten eggs using a whisk until thoroughly combined.
4
Add the dry bread cubes and optional raisins to the egg mixture, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
5
Carefully pour in the hot milk and butter mixture into the bread and egg blend, stirring gently to combine.
6
Transfer the mixture into an ungreased 1.5-quart casserole dish or an 8-inch square baking dish.
7
Place the baking dish inside a larger 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Pour boiling water into the larger pan until it reaches about 1 inch in depth.
8
Bake the pudding uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. It's ready when a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean.
9
For the whiskey sauce, combine brown sugar, butter, and bourbon in a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil and all sugar has dissolved completely. The sauce can be served either warm or chilled.
10
Serve the bread pudding warm, generously drizzled with whiskey sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers to enjoy later.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary inspiration for this Classic Bread Pudding recipe?
This recipe is inspired by 'Betty Crocker Country Favorites,' bringing a nostalgic charm to the classic dessert.
What types of bread are recommended for this pudding?
You can use day-old cinnamon-raisin, whole wheat, or simple white bread to create this pudding.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pudding.
How should the milk and butter be prepared?
Heat 2 cups of milk and 1/4 cup of butter in a medium saucepan until the butter is melted and the milk is hot, but do not let it boil.
How should the eggs be beaten for this recipe?
The 2 eggs should be slightly beaten before being blended with the sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
What spices are used to flavor the bread pudding?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, though nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
How much bread is required for this recipe?
You will need 6 cups of dry bread cubes, which is approximately 8 slices of bread.
Are raisins required in this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of raisins is optional and can be added based on your preference.
What is the first step in combining the ingredients?
The first step is to whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and slightly beaten eggs in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
When do I add the bread cubes to the mixture?
Add the dry bread cubes to the egg and sugar mixture before pouring in the hot milk and butter.
What size baking dish is needed for the pudding?
You should use an ungreased 1.5-quart casserole dish or an 8-inch square baking dish.
What is a water bath and how is it used in this recipe?
A water bath involves placing the pudding dish inside a larger 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan and filling the larger pan with boiling water to a depth of 1 inch.
How long does the bread pudding need to bake?
The pudding should be baked uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes.
How can I tell when the bread pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when a knife inserted 1 inch from the edge of the dish comes out clean.
What ingredients make up the spiced whiskey sauce?
The sauce is made from 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of Bourbon.
How is the whiskey sauce cooked?
Combine the ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches a boil and the sugar dissolves.
Can I use a different alcohol or extract in the sauce?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of brandy extract as an alternative to the Bourbon.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the whiskey sauce?
For a family-friendly version, you can substitute the whiskey sauce with caramel sauce.
Should the whiskey sauce be served warm?
The sauce is versatile and can be served either warm or chilled depending on your preference.
How should the pudding be served?
Serve the bread pudding warm and generously drizzled with the spiced whiskey sauce.
How should leftovers be stored?
Any leftover bread pudding should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine for both the pudding and the sauce.
How much salt is used in the pudding?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including those for the pudding and the sauce.
Does the brown sugar for the sauce need to be packed?
Yes, you should use 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the sauce.
What is the texture of the whiskey sauce?
The sauce is described as lusciously spiced, adding a sophisticated and rich touch to the pudding.
Can I add more than 3 tablespoons of Bourbon?
The recipe notes you can use up to 4 tablespoons of Bourbon if a stronger flavor is desired.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased casserole dish.
Why is boiling water used in the outer pan?
The boiling water creates a gentle, even heat environment known as a bain-marie, which helps the custard set without curdling.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food dessert designed to provide warmth in every bite.