Mean’s Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce is a dessert recipe that’s steeped in history and flavors, originally crafted by Mean Chef and cherished by many. This decadent treat promises a rich, chocolatey experience complemented by a luscious bourbon-pecan caramel sauce, making it a standout choice for any dessert lover.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Calories per Serving: 769.8 kcal
- Rating: 5 stars from 6 reviews
Description:
The recipe’s origin story adds to its allure, having been adopted and cherished from Mean Chef’s repertoire. It promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a comforting, indulgent dessert.

Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this masterpiece:
- For the Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce:
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped
- 1 cup Bourbon (for a robust flavor)
- For the Bread Pudding:
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cups bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 8 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups bread cubes (use high-quality bread for best results)
Instructions:
Making the Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce:
- Start by combining sugar and water in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Mix in the corn syrup and fresh lemon juice, then increase the heat. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color, brushing down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush and swirling occasionally to ensure even caramelization.
- Remove the pan from heat and carefully pour in the cream (expect bubbling). Stir over low heat until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Increase the heat and boil the sauce until it reduces to about 1 2/3 cups, stirring often for approximately 4 minutes.
- Once reduced, remove from heat and mix in the chopped pecans and Bourbon. This sauce can be made a day ahead, refrigerated, and reheated before serving.
Preparing the Chocolate Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In another heavy large saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to the hot milk mixture, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Gradually whisk in the chocolate-milk mixture.
- Add the bread cubes to the egg-chocolate mixture, allowing them to soak up the custard. Let this stand for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking.
- Transfer the soaked bread mixture to a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake the pudding in the preheated oven until it is set in the center, which should take about 45 minutes.
- Once baked, uncover the dish and let the pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Serving:
- Serve the Chocolate Bread Pudding warm or at room temperature.
- Drizzle each portion generously with the warm Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Tips and Notes:
- Quality Ingredients: As Mean Chef advised, using high-quality chocolate and Bourbon enhances the depth of flavor in this dessert.
- Make-Ahead: The Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, making the final preparation easier on the day of serving.
- Variations: For those preferring less sweetness, the sauce can be replaced with unsweetened whipped cream, maintaining the richness without the caramel notes.
Conclusion:
Mean’s Chocolate Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Pecan Caramel Sauce is a dessert that exemplifies the artistry of homemade indulgence. From its rich chocolate custard base to the aromatic Bourbon-infused caramel sauce, every element of this recipe is designed to satisfy and impress. Whether enjoyed for a special occasion or as a comforting treat, this recipe promises to elevate any dining experience with its decadent flavors and heartfelt origins.