Description
Pioneer Woman Bread Pudding offers a classic Southern comfort dessert with rich vanilla custard and a buttery caramel sauce. Warm spices and custardy bread create a luscious treat that wraps you in nostalgic kitchen memories.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Dairy and Eggs:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 stick (½ cup / 113 grams) butter
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers and Extras:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Jack Daniel’s whiskey (or non-alcoholic vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack in the center, ensuring even heat distribution for optimal baking results.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, and whole milk until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar into the liquid mixture, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a silky base for the bread pudding.
- Select a 9-inch (23-centimeter) square baking dish and carefully layer the sourdough bread cubes, positioning the crusts strategically around the edges and throughout the interior to promote uniform cooking and texture.
- Gently pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is thoroughly saturated and evenly coated.
- Delicately sprinkle the finely chopped pecans across the surface of the soaked bread, distributing them uniformly for a consistent nutty flavor and crunch.
- Transfer the prepared dish to the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 70 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden brown and the pudding sets with a slight wobble.
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the whiskey cream sauce by combining sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the sauce ingredients constantly, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the mixture to reach a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
- Introduce the whiskey or its non-alcoholic substitute to the sauce, stirring to integrate the flavors seamlessly.
- Once the bread pudding is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set.
- Serve individual portions warm, generously drizzling the rich whiskey cream sauce over the top, creating a decadent and comforting dessert experience.
Notes
- Create a cozy texture by using slightly stale bread that absorbs the egg mixture perfectly without falling apart.
- Ensure complete egg mixture coverage by gently pressing bread pieces, allowing them to soak thoroughly for maximum flavor absorption.
- Monitor baking time carefully to achieve a golden-brown top with a soft, custardy center that isn’t dried out or overcooked.
- Allow the pudding to rest and set for about 20 minutes after baking, which helps maintain its structural integrity when serving.
- Customize the whiskey sauce by adjusting alcohol intensity or substituting with vanilla extract to match personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 746 kcal
- Sugar: 63 g
- Sodium: 315 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 79 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg