Decadent Jack Daniel's Bread Pudding
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Decadent Jack Daniel's Bread Pudding. A cherished recipe shared at a memorable Lady Elks Pot Luck in the picturesque Nevada City, CA, this bread pudding is a crowd pleaser that my family eagerly anticipates at every gathering. What sets this recipe apart from others is its delightful balance of creamy texture and warm spices, generously enhanced by the distinct notes of Jack Daniel's whiskey. Perfect for celebrations or cozy dinners, this recipe yields two large pans, making it ideal for sharing or freezing for a future treat. Each bite offers a luscious experience, whether served with velvety ice cream or a warm drizzle of cream sauce.
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sourdough French bread
15 cups (cubed and toasted)
Milk
5 cups (heated)
Eggs
8 (beaten)
Salted butter
12 tablespoons (melted)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Nutmeg
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
Salt
2 pinches (to taste)
Raisins
1 cup (optional)
Brown sugar
1 lb (packed)
Salted butter (for sauce)
1 cup (cubed)
Heavy whipping cream
1 cup (for sauce)
Salt (for sauce)
1 pinch (to taste)
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
1/2 cup (or more, to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease two deep dish casserole pans with cooking spray or butter.
3
In a large bowl, combine the toasted sourdough French bread cubes and raisins, mixing well.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and salted butter until melted and just simmering.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.
6
Gradually add 1 cup of the heated milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
7
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, stirring until well combined.
8
Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the bread and raisins in the casserole pans, making sure to coat all the bread.
9
Place each casserole dish in a larger baking dish filled with at least an inch of water (this is a water bath for even cooking).
10
Cover the casserole dishes with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
11
After 1 hour, remove the foil and return the pudding to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
12
While the pudding is baking, prepare the cream sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat.
13
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
14
For an extra treat, consider doubling the cream sauce recipe for additional servings.
15
Once the pudding is done, pour the warm cream sauce over it and keep it warm in the oven until ready to serve.
16
Serve hot with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with heavy cream for added richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this bread pudding recipe?
The recipe is called Decadent Jack Daniel's Bread Pudding.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was shared at a Lady Elks Pot Luck in Nevada City, CA, and has become a family favorite.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 servings.
What type of bread is best for this bread pudding?
The recipe specifically calls for sourdough French bread that has been cubed and toasted.
How much bread is required for this recipe?
You will need 15 cups of cubed and toasted sourdough French bread.
Does this bread pudding include alcohol?
Yes, the cream sauce features Jack Daniel's Whiskey as a key ingredient.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many pans are needed for this recipe?
This recipe yields two large deep-dish casserole pans.
Why is a water bath used during baking?
A water bath, or bain-marie, is used to ensure the pudding cooks evenly and maintains a creamy texture.
How long should the bread pudding bake?
The pudding bakes for 1 hour covered with foil, and then an additional 15 minutes uncovered to brown the top.
What ingredients are in the whiskey cream sauce?
The sauce contains brown sugar, salted butter, heavy whipping cream, a pinch of salt, and Jack Daniel's Whiskey.
Can this bread pudding be frozen?
Yes, it is noted that this recipe is ideal for freezing to enjoy as a future treat.
What is the suggested way to serve this dessert?
It is best served hot with a scoop of ice cream or drizzled with heavy cream.
How do you temper the eggs for the custard?
Gradually add 1 cup of the heated milk mixture to the whisked egg mixture while stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Are raisins required in this recipe?
No, raisins are listed as an optional ingredient.
How do you prepare the baking pans?
Grease two deep-dish casserole pans with cooking spray or butter before adding the bread mixture.
What spices are used to flavor the pudding?
The recipe uses ground nutmeg and ground cinnamon for warm spice notes.
How much Jack Daniel's Whiskey should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of whiskey, or more depending on your personal taste.
What type of sugar is used in the custard?
Two cups of granulated sugar are used in the custard mixture.
How do you know when the cream sauce is ready?
Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then simmer it until it reaches your desired consistency.
Should I double the sauce recipe?
The instructions suggest doubling the cream sauce recipe if you prefer extra sauce for serving.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies using salted butter for both the bread pudding and the cream sauce.
How many eggs are in the custard?
The recipe requires 8 beaten eggs.
What is the total amount of milk needed?
The recipe calls for 5 cups of milk, which should be heated before mixing.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, because it makes two large pans and 48 servings, it is perfect for potlucks or holidays.
Can I keep the pudding warm in the oven?
Yes, once the warm cream sauce is poured over the pudding, you can keep it in the oven to maintain its temperature.
How much brown sugar is used for the sauce?
The cream sauce requires 1 lb of packed brown sugar.
What kind of vanilla is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
What is the texture of the finished pudding?
It is described as having a luscious, creamy texture with a nicely browned top.
Can I use heavy cream as a topping?
Yes, drizzling heavy cream over the hot pudding adds extra richness when serving.