Bread Pudding Commander’s Palace Recipe Made Easy

Bread pudding is a timeless classic that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. When it comes to legendary versions, the “Bread Pudding Commander’s Palace Recipe” stands out as a true culinary gem from New Orleans’ iconic restaurant.

This recipe combines the rich flavors of custard-soaked bread with aromatic spices and a luscious bourbon sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting dessert after a family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion, this bread pudding offers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly boozy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

In this detailed guide, you’ll discover how to recreate this beloved Southern dessert step-by-step. From the essential ingredients to handy tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to master this dish in your own kitchen.

Let’s dive into the magic of the Commander’s Palace bread pudding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is cherished for its rich, custardy texture and the nostalgic flavors of New Orleans cuisine. Unlike ordinary bread puddings, this one uses a perfect blend of brioche or French bread soaked in a spiced custard mixture, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

The addition of a warm bourbon sauce adds a touch of elegance and depth, creating a delightful contrast between sweet and slightly boozy warmth. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for holidays, brunches, or any time you want a special treat.

Plus, the recipe is approachable for home cooks, with ingredients you likely have on hand or can easily find. You can customize it with your favorite dried fruits or nuts, making it versatile too!

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed brioche or French bread (preferably a day or two old)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup raisins or dried currants (optional)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup bourbon whiskey (for sauce)
• ½ cup brown sugar (for sauce)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce)

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish or equivalent casserole dish
• Mixing bowls (large and medium size)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan (for bourbon sauce)
• Rubber spatula
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter the baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the bread: Cut the brioche or French bread into 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh, toast the cubes lightly in the oven for about 10 minutes to dry them out slightly. This helps them soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
3. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine bread and custard: Place the bread cubes in the baking dish and sprinkle the raisins or dried currants evenly over the bread if using. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces are soaked. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
5. Let it soak: Allow the bread and custard to sit for at least 20-30 minutes at room temperature so the bread absorbs the custard fully.
6. Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The pudding should puff up and turn golden brown on top, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
7. Prepare the bourbon sauce: While the pudding is baking, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with generous drizzles of the bourbon sauce on top.

Tips & Variations

For an extra rich pudding, substitute half of the milk with evaporated milk.

Feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.

Use day-old bread for the best texture; fresh bread can become too soggy. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with bourbon-flavored extract or simply omit it and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla.

For a fruity twist, try adding chopped apples or dried cherries along with raisins. You can also serve this pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread pudding warm with the traditional bourbon sauce drizzled on top. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

For a brunch twist, accompany it with fresh berries or a side of spiced fruit compote. If serving for a holiday dinner, a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint adds a festive touch.

To complement the Southern vibe, consider serving alongside a cup of rich coffee or a spiced hot chocolate.

For more delicious dessert ideas or other comforting recipes, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or explore Best Vegan Christmas Pudding Recipe for Festive Joy.

Conclusion

The Bread Pudding Commander’s Palace recipe is a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans. Its creamy custard-soaked bread and the fragrant bourbon sauce create a comforting yet elegant dessert that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. The warm spices and luscious textures will bring joy to any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and make it your own!

For more easy and delicious recipes, explore our collection like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping to keep your culinary adventures exciting.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bread Pudding Commander’s Palace Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A classic New Orleans dessert featuring rich custard-soaked bread baked to perfection. This bread pudding is creamy, spiced, and topped with a decadent whiskey sauce.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT50M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H10M”, “recipeYield”: “8 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“8 cups day-old French bread, cubed”, “4 cups whole milk”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “1 1/2 cups granulated sugar”, “6 large eggs”, “2 teaspoons vanilla extract”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 cup raisins (optional)”, “4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Warm milk and cream together, then slowly whisk into the egg mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place bread cubes and raisins in the baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour custard mixture evenly over bread, pressing gently to soak.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle melted butter over the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let soak for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 45-50 minutes until custard is set and top is golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow to cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “420 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “9 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}