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Maple Bourbon Bread Pudding Recipe with Vanilla Sauce

maple bourbon bread pudding - featured image

A rich and decadent dessert featuring the warm flavors of maple syrup, bourbon, and creamy vanilla sauce. Perfect for holidays or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (French bread or brioche works best)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup (use Grade A for the best flavor)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)

Instructions

  1. Cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in your baking dish. Let them sit for a few minutes to slightly dry out further.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
  3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pushing the bread down gently to make sure it soaks up the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
  5. While the bread pudding is baking, heat the heavy cream, sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the sugar dissolves, add the vanilla extract and cornstarch (if using) to thicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes and set aside.
  6. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of vanilla sauce.

Notes

[‘Use brioche or French bread for best results.’, ‘Allow the bread to soak in the custard for full flavor.’, ‘Taste the custard before pouring to adjust sweetness.’, ‘Cover the bread pudding with foil if it looks too dry midway through baking.’, ‘Vanilla sauce can be made ahead and reheated before serving.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: bread pudding, maple bourbon, vanilla sauce, dessert, holiday recipe, comfort food