Decadent Bourbon-Infused Bread Pudding
This indulgent bread pudding, inspired by Thelma McKinney's original recipe, transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for special occasions or a reward for your personal achievements, this microwave-friendly recipe combines the comforting flavors of day-old French bread and a touch of rich bourbon sauce. The pudding is soft and custardy, while the sauce adds a luxurious finish, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 (tablespoons, divided)
Eggs
2 (large, beaten)
Milk
1 (cup)
Salt
1/8 (teaspoon)
Vanilla Extract
1 (teaspoon)
French Bread
1 1/2 (cups, day old, cut into 1-inch cubes)
Raisins
1/4 (cup)
Sugar
1/2 (cup (for pudding) + 1/2 cup (for sauce))
Water
3/4 (cup)
Bourbon (or rum)
2 (tablespoons)
Cornstarch
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
For the bread pudding, begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a 1-quart microwave-safe casserole for 30-40 seconds until fully melted.
2
In the same casserole, add 2 eggs and whisk until well combined.
3
Blend in 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of raisins until smooth.
4
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of day-old French bread cubes, ensuring they are well coated with the mixture. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid.
5
Carefully stir the mixture again, then microwave uncovered on high for 5 1/2 to 6 minutes, stirring after the first 3 minutes for even cooking. The pudding should be set in the center.
6
For the bourbon sauce, combine 3/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a 4-cup microwave-safe container and mix until smooth.
7
Microwave uncovered on high for about 3 minutes until it thickens and becomes bubbly. Stir and continue cooking for an additional minute.
8
Remove from the microwave and stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of bourbon (or rum) until melt and fully incorporated.
9
Serve the warm bread pudding drizzled with the bourbon sauce for a truly decadent dessert experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Bourbon-Infused Bread Pudding?
It is an indulgent dessert inspired by Thelma McKinney's original recipe that transforms day-old French bread into a rich, custardy treat topped with bourbon sauce.
Who inspired this bread pudding recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the original work of Thelma McKinney.
Is this bread pudding cooked in the oven?
No, this is a microwave-friendly recipe designed to be cooked quickly in a microwave-safe casserole.
What type of bread is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for day-old French bread cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Day-old bread is preferred because it absorbs the liquid mixture better without becoming overly soggy.
How do I prepare the cooking dish?
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a 1-quart microwave-safe casserole for 30 to 40 seconds.
How many eggs are needed for the pudding?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
What are the primary liquid ingredients for the pudding base?
The base uses 1 cup of milk and 2 beaten eggs.
Does the recipe include any dried fruit?
Yes, 1/4 cup of raisins is folded into the bread pudding mixture.
How long should the bread soak before cooking?
The bread cubes should sit in the liquid mixture for 5 minutes to ensure they are well coated and have absorbed the liquid.
What is the total microwave cooking time for the pudding?
The pudding cooks on high for 5.5 to 6 minutes.
Do I need to stir the pudding while it microwaves?
Yes, you should stir the pudding after the first 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the bread pudding is finished cooking?
The pudding is ready when it is set in the center.
What size container is needed for the bourbon sauce?
A 4-cup microwave-safe container is recommended for preparing the sauce.
What ingredients are used to thicken the bourbon sauce?
The sauce is thickened using 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and sugar.
How long does the sauce cook in the microwave?
The sauce cooks on high for about 3 minutes until bubbly, then for an additional minute after stirring.
When do I add the bourbon to the sauce?
The bourbon is stirred in after the sauce has finished cooking and has been removed from the microwave.
Can I substitute the bourbon with another alcohol?
Yes, you can use rum as a substitute for bourbon in the sauce.
How much sugar is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar total: 1/2 cup for the pudding and 1/2 cup for the sauce.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of butter in total, divided between the pudding and the sauce.
Should the bread pudding be served warm?
Yes, it is best served warm drizzled with the bourbon sauce, though it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
What is the texture of this bread pudding?
The pudding is soft and custardy, while the bourbon sauce provides a luxurious, rich finish.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the pudding mixture.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
Is the bread pudding cooked covered or uncovered?
Both the pudding and the sauce are microwaved uncovered.
What is the role of cornstarch in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as the thickening agent to give the sauce its bubbly, rich consistency.
How much water is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 3/4 cup of water.
Can this recipe be used for special occasions?
Yes, its decadent nature makes it perfect for special occasions or a personal reward.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including the variations for the sauce.
What should I do if the bread pudding isn't set after 6 minutes?
If not set in the center, continue microwaving in short intervals until the center is firm.