Introducing Big John’s Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, a timeless classic dessert straight from the heart of New Orleans, where culinary traditions run as deep as the Mississippi River. In the vibrant tapestry of New Orleans cuisine, bread pudding holds a place of honor, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Now, with this recipe, you can bring a taste of the Big Easy into your own kitchen and create a dessert experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a total cook time of 35 minutes, this recipe delivers indulgent satisfaction in under an hour, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or satisfying those sudden sweet cravings. Let’s dive into the decadent details and uncover the secrets behind this irresistible treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 Eggs: These will provide the rich, custard-like base for our bread pudding, adding both structure and flavor.
- 4 Cups of Sugar: Sweetness is the cornerstone of any good dessert, and this recipe strikes the perfect balance.
- 1 1/4 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla essence infuses the pudding with warm, aromatic notes, enhancing its overall depth of flavor.
- 1/2 Teaspoon of Nutmeg: This spice lends a subtle, earthy complexity to the pudding, elevating its taste profile.
- 1 1/4 Teaspoons of Cinnamon: A classic companion to sweet treats, cinnamon imparts warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1 1/4 Cups of Butter: Rich and indulgent, butter adds luxuriousness to the pudding, ensuring a decadent texture.
- 1/4 Cup of Milk: Essential for achieving the perfect consistency, milk binds the ingredients together while adding creaminess.
- 3 Cups of Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks infuse the pudding with tropical sweetness, adding a burst of juicy flavor.
- 1/2 Cup of Pecans: These crunchy nuts provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the pudding, adding depth and crunch.
- 1/2 Cup of Shredded Coconut: Fragrant and flavorful, coconut lends a tropical twist to this classic dessert.
- 1/2 Cup of Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a final touch of sweetness and visual appeal to the finished dish.
- 2 Slices of Bread: Sturdy white bread serves as the base for our pudding, soaking up the rich custard mixture to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready to transform our ingredients into golden perfection.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spices. Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, infusing it with luscious flavor.
- Add Milk and Butter: Gradually incorporate the milk and melted butter into the egg mixture, whisking until well combined. This step ensures a velvety texture and rich consistency.
- Incorporate Pineapple, Pecans, and Coconut: Gently fold in the pineapple, pecans, and shredded coconut, distributing them evenly throughout the custard mixture. These tropical additions will impart bursts of flavor and texture to every bite.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Generously butter a large baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pudding after baking.
- Layer Bread and Custard: Arrange the bread slices in the buttered baking pan, creating a solid base. Pour the prepared custard mixture over the bread, allowing it to soak in and envelop each slice.
- Let Stand: Allow the bread pudding to stand for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to fully saturate the bread.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake until the center of the pudding becomes firm and the top turns golden brown, indicating that it’s perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Whiskey Sauce:
No bread pudding is complete without a decadent sauce to drizzle over the top, and Big John’s version certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here’s how to whip up a batch of this luscious whiskey-infused sauce:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a saucepan set over medium heat, combine the butter and sugar, stirring until the butter is fully absorbed and the mixture becomes smooth and velvety.
- Blend in Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly whisk in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, infusing the sauce with richness and flavor.
- Add Whiskey: While stirring constantly, pour in the whiskey, allowing it to meld with the other ingredients and infuse the sauce with its distinctive character.
- Thicken and Cool: As the sauce cools, it will naturally thicken to the perfect consistency, ready to be drizzled over the warm bread pudding just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the luscious whiskey sauce over slices of warm bread pudding, allowing its rich flavors to mingle and elevate each bite to new heights of indulgence.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 1032.5 per serving
- Fat Content: 37.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 211.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1242.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 143.1g
- Fiber Content: 7g
- Sugar Content: 48.6g
- Protein Content: 23g
Serving Suggestions:
For an extra touch of decadence, serve each slice of Big John’s Bread Pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy accompaniment provides a delightful contrast to the warm, indulgent pudding, creating a dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting treat on a chilly evening or served as the crowning glory of a festive feast, Big John’s Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce is sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to delight your taste buds with this unforgettable dessert masterpiece. Cheers to good food, good company, and the joy of savoring life’s sweetest moments!
