Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience! This Pecan Bourbon and Butterscotch Bread Pudding is not just a recipe – it's a decadent masterpiece that combines the rich warmth of bourbon, the sweet crunch of pecans, and the luxurious melt of butterscotch chips. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a truly remarkable dessert, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create a memorable moment of pure indulgence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed bread
- 1 cup of butterscotch chips
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of bourbon
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes in the oven for 5-10 minutes to help them absorb the custard better.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle chopped pecans and butterscotch chips over the bread, ensuring even distribution.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently pressing down with a spatula to ensure all bread is soaked and submerged in the liquid.
- Let the bread pudding sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with additional bourbon-based caramel sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread or slightly stale bread for the best texture. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast the cubes to help them absorb the custard more effectively.
- Even Custard Distribution: Take your time when pouring the custard, ensuring every bread cube gets soaked. Gently press down with a spatula to help absorption.
- Resting is Key: Allow the bread pudding to rest for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the bread fully absorb the delicious custard mixture.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking prevents over-browning and ensures even cooking.
- Don't Overbake: The perfect bread pudding should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven when the top is golden brown.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your dessert by serving warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 180mg
