New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

Get ready to fall in love with one of the most iconic desserts to come out of Louisiana: New Orleans Style Bread Pudding. This rich, indulgent treat combines tender cubes of bread soaked in a spiced, custardy mixture with sweet raisins, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a warm, boozy whiskey sauce, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort dessert.

Bread pudding has long been a favorite in New Orleans kitchens, known for transforming stale bread into something downright divine. If you’ve enjoyed our Bourbon Pecan Pie or Southern Peach Cobbler, this recipe brings that same cozy charm with a spirited twist. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or just looking for something soul-satisfying, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.

What is New Orleans Style Bread Pudding?

Is it a dessert? Is it a work of art? Why not both! New Orleans Style Bread Pudding is a magical mix of leftover bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and warm spices, baked until it’s crisp on top and gooey inside. The city’s version takes things up a notch with coconut, raisins, and pecans — and don’t forget the signature whiskey sauce. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, especially when that stomach is full of bread pudding. Don’t let those bread scraps go to waste — make magic instead!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Southern Dessert

Decadent and Rich: With butter, coconut, raisins, and pecans in every bite, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Zero Waste, All Flavor: Got stale bread? This is the perfect way to use it up and turn it into something unforgettable.

Whiskey Sauce Wonder: That warm, silky bourbon-infused sauce takes it over the top. It’s sweet, slightly boozy, and absolutely irresistible.

If you liked our Banana Bread Pudding, this New Orleans version adds a touch of Southern flair and festive spirit. Make it once and you’ll never look at leftover bread the same way again!

How to Make New Orleans Style Bread Pudding

Quick Overview

This is a classic, old-school dessert made with simple ingredients and loads of flavor. The bread soaks up a custardy mix, then bakes to a perfect golden brown. Best of all? The whiskey sauce adds a grown-up kick that guests will rave about. It’s easy, rich, and bakes in just over an hour.

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 10 oz stale French bread, crumbled (or 6–8 cups of any crumbled bread; reduce milk to 3 cups if using fresh bread)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups milk (or 3 cups if using fresh bread)

For Joe’s Whiskey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup bourbon

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pudding: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the bread pudding ingredients. Stir until everything is well mixed. The mixture should be moist but not soupy.

3. Bake: Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

4. Make the Whiskey Sauce: While the pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, cream the butter and powdered sugar with a hand mixer until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat, blend in egg yolks, and slowly stir in the bourbon. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

5. Serve: Serve the bread pudding warm, topped with a generous drizzle of warm whiskey sauce.

What to Serve New Orleans Style Bread Pudding With

This dessert is rich on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• A cup of strong coffee or espresso
• A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce (if you’re skipping the whiskey)
• A splash of extra bourbon for the adults!

Top Tips for Perfecting Bread Pudding

• Use Day-Old Bread: The drier the bread, the better it absorbs the custard.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste.
• Add Fruit: Try adding diced apples or dried cranberries for a fruity variation.
• Let It Rest: Let the pudding sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: Bread pudding can be frozen (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make it without bourbon?
Yes! Substitute with apple juice or a vanilla glaze if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

What if I don’t have coconut or pecans?
No problem! Leave them out or replace with your favorite add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Is it okay to use fresh bread?
Yes, but reduce the milk to 3 cups to avoid a soggy texture.

Conclusion

New Orleans Style Bread Pudding is a timeless dessert that turns simple ingredients into something rich, festive, and full of Southern charm. With warm spices, chewy coconut, and that heavenly whiskey sauce, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in.