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Espresso Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

November 19, 2019 (Last updated January 3, 2025) · Nicole Triebe

This Espresso Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce is warm, cozy, and completely addicting. The ultimate comfort food for the holidays!

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the star of the show isn’t the turkey this year, it’s dessert! My espresso bread pudding recipe is to die for, and will steal the spotlight! I’m proud to partner today with Bearcat Infused Bourbon in making a twist on a classic recipe, perfect for the holidays, or year-round! 

Bearcat Infused Bourbon is perfect for those first time bourbon drinkers and my go-to as a bourbon lover!  It has two flavor-infused options: Orange Peel with Spice and Espresso with Aromatic Bitters. The Espresso is complex to the nose with roasted espresso beans appearing on the finish, while the Orange Peel is packed with a fresh citrus aroma, and mild cinnamon and anise flavors at the end. Both are perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks! I also love to add it to classic bourbon cocktails to add a flavorful twist. 

I’m using it today in this decadent Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding with bourbon vanilla sauce.  The Bearcat Bourbon infused with Espresso with Aromatic Bitters is used in both the Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding and the sauce!  It adds the most incredible flavor to this sweet dish. This is one of the best desserts I’ve made in a long time!

What do you need to make bread pudding?

Coffee Liquor

This recipe calls for Bearcat Bourbon, which is an espresso-flavored bourbon. If you can’t find it in stores, you can substitute it with Kahlua or Tia Maria. For a non-alcoholic option, combine espresso or very strong coffee with a bit of sugar or vanilla syrup. This will mimic the coffee flavor and sweetness, though it lacks the liqueur’s alcoholic warmth.

Stale Bread

Stale bread is ideal for bread pudding because it has lost some of its moisture, making it more absorbent. When mixed with the custard, stale bread soaks up the liquid better than fresh bread, which can be too soft and might disintegrate or become mushy. This absorption helps the bread pudding achieve a rich, custardy texture without getting too soggy.

If you only have fresh bread on hand, you can quickly dry it out by slicing it into cubes and baking it at a low temperature (around 300Β°F or 150Β°C) for 10-15 minutes. This will help mimic the effect of stale bread and make your bread pudding just as delicious!

Eggs

Room temperature eggs are recommended for this bread pudding because they blend more smoothly into the custard mixture. When eggs are at room temperature, they combine more easily with other ingredients, especially butter or milk, allowing the custard to form a consistent, creamy base without lumps or uneven texture. Using room temperature eggs also helps the custard cook more evenly, which is key for achieving a silky texture in the bread pudding. Cold eggs can lead to a longer cooking time and sometimes cause curdling if they don’t incorporate well with the other ingredients.

Milk and Heavy Cream

Using a combination of milk and heavy cream in this recipe gives it a light yet rich flavor!

Espresso

The espresso adds bold, slightly bitter notes that compliment the sweetness of the custard and the caramel-like flavors of bourbon. Espresso deepens the dessert’s overall flavor, giving it a more intense, roasted quality. This pairs well with the bread pudding’s warm, comforting texture. If you don’t have espresso, you can use strongly brewed coffee.

Candied Pecans

Bread pudding has a soft, custardy texture, and candied pecans add a delightful crunch. It keeps each bite interesting! If you can’t find candied pecans, chopped pecans will work, too.

Additional Ingredients

  • Brown and white sugars
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon

Equipment Needed

  • Short ramekins or if you’re making this for valentine’s day some festive ramekins like these

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a classic dessert made from cubes of day-old bread. Today, I’m using brioche bread because the texture of this fluffy bread is unmatched and makes this Espresso Bourbon Bread pudding just that much better! The brioche gets soaked in a custard mixture made from eggs, milk, sugar, and a little cinnamon and nutmeg, and coffee liquor. It’s baked as an individual portion in ramekins until the tops are golden and the middle is still slightly gooey.

How do I make bread pudding?

  • Start with slightly stale brioche bread cubes. Dry bread can hold more of the custard mixture. If you don’t have brioche, any thick-cut white bread works well – leftover french bread or challah bread is also a great option! Cut the bread into cubes and set aside.
  • Heat oven to 375F
  • To make the custard sauce: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, whole milk and cream, melted butter, coffee liquor, cinnamon, espresso and white, and brown sugar. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Place cubed bread in a large square baking dish,large mixing bowl, or something you can fold the bread and milk mixture easily.
  • Then pour the egg mixture over top of the bread, giving it a stir as you go so that all bread is evenly coated. Fold in chopped candied pecans.
  • Spoon into individual ramekins and let sit for 20 minutes before baking. This gives the bread time to soak up all the custard mixture.
  • Then bake the mixture in your preheated oven at 375F for 35 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
  • To make the bourbon sauce, combine sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream and bourbon in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk and let come to a boil. Remove from heat and pour over top of bread pudding.  

Can I make Espresso Bourbon Bread pudding ahead of time?

This wonderful bread pudding is perfect for the holidays!  It’s super easy to make a couple days ahead and reheat right before serving.  After the bread pudding has cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to cover well so the dessert doesn’t dry out too much.

To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165.  If you like the crunch on top, put it under the broiler for a minute or so at the end of reheating.  Be careful to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

bourbon sauce being poured on espresso breadpudding in individual ramekins

This dessert is always a crowd pleaser during the holiday season! Guests will be asking for seconds every time!

What should I serve with bread pudding?

This delicious dessert would pair so well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Need more holiday desserts? Try my no-bake pumpkin cheesecakes or brown butter toffee chocolate chunk cookies!

Pairing a cocktail? Try these chai spiced white russians!

FAQ and Expert Tips

If you have leftovers, store the leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place in the oven or microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165. 

Use stale bread for the most delicious bread pudding recipe

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Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Nicole Triebe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 tbl brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup espresso
  • 1/4 cup Bearcat Bourbon infused with Espresso & Aromatic bitters
  • 1/2 cup candied pecans, chopped
  • 10 slices day old brioche bread, cubed

For the sauce:Β 

1 cup sugar

1 stick butter, melted

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 – 1/2 cup Bearcat Bourbon or Coffee liquor

Pinch of nutmeg


Instructions

  1. Cut day old brioche bread into cubes.Β 
  2. Make the custard sauce by beating eggs, whole milk and cream, vanilla, melted butter, coffee liquor, cinnamon, espresso and white and brown sugar. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  3. Place cubed bread in a large baking dish, bowl, or something you can fold the bread and custard easily.
  4. Then pour the egg mixture over top of the bread, giving it a stir as you go so that all bread is evenly. Fold in chopped candied pecans.
  5. Spoon into individual ramekins and let sit for 20 minutes before baking.Β 
  6. Then bake the mixture in your preheated oven at 375F for 35 minutes.Β 
  7. To make the sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.Β  Pour over baked bread pudding.Β Β 

If you loved this recipe, be sure to rate it 5 stars in the comments below!

bourbon bread pudding

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32 Comments

  • Reply Kristen November 20, 2019 at 4:20 am

    This looks SO good. I’m excited to give this recipe a try–my husband loves Bread Pudding!

    • Reply Nicole Triebe November 20, 2019 at 4:33 am

      It’s my new all-time favorite! Thank you!

  • Reply Ro L Gibson November 20, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    Drooling

    • Reply Shelby August 28, 2023 at 12:34 am

      Can this be frozen then reheat when needed.?

      • Reply Nicole Triebe August 28, 2023 at 1:49 am

        Yes!
        * Let it cool completely before freezing. Freezing food while it’s still warm will only encourage bacteria growth.
        * Freeze it in a container that is as airtight as possible and has a lid or cover. Then label the container with the type of bread pudding and the date you cooked it.
        * When you’re ready to eat, take out an individual portion, then thaw for 12 to 14 hours in the refrigerator. Thawing it overnight is recommended. If you want to eat your bread pudding right away, you can either thaw it in the microwave for 2 minutes on high or in the oven under low heat for about 5 minutes.

  • Reply Kim Keener October 4, 2020 at 12:00 am

    Made this for super bowl last year and it was a hit. Super easy too! making it again for a Mulan watch party on Disney+. a go to when you want to impress your guests.

  • Reply Maria March 16, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    Thank you so much. This is so amazingly delicious! I have made it few times and it’s always a hit.. I absolutely love it!

  • Reply Rhiannon September 19, 2022 at 2:21 am

    I really want to make this but it seems that this bourbon isn’t available any longer. Any suggestions for a replacement?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe September 19, 2022 at 2:28 am

      You can use regular bourbon! Hope you enjoy!

  • Reply Zaima November 10, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    I am thinking of making this for thanksgiving this year. However, some of my friends do not consume alcohol. What would be a nonalcoholic alternative for the bourbon?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe November 10, 2022 at 3:24 pm

      You can just omit it from the sauce and replace it with milk or espresso depending on your taste preference

  • Reply Stephanie November 22, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    Could you make this in a large dish instead of individual ones? What size would you recommend?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe November 22, 2022 at 8:48 pm

      Yes! I would do an 8×8 baking dish

      • Reply Stephanie November 22, 2022 at 11:07 pm

        Perfect, thanks so much!

  • Reply Beck December 18, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    So we don’t have this bourbon in Canada but don’t let that stop you making this Amazing dessert.
    You can use a combination of Bourbon, Kahula and Aromatic Bitters.

    Your also could have it as brunch item . The Espresso favour is to die for .

    • Reply Nicole Triebe December 18, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      Love this tip! Thank you for making it and sharing!! Happy holidays!

  • Reply Tristin Green September 6, 2023 at 8:25 pm

    Sounds delicious. Can you make this in one baking dish?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe September 6, 2023 at 9:13 pm

      Yes! Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes until a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

  • Reply Paula October 12, 2023 at 1:16 pm

    I need to make this ahead and I know you said it will work well for that but what about the sauce? Can that be made ahead and reheated as well?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe October 12, 2023 at 1:22 pm

      It can! reheat it in the microwave for 20 seconds or so, adding a teaspoon of water if needed.

      • Reply Paula December 21, 2023 at 3:31 am

        Thank you. I finally made this tonight and sadly that particular bourbon wasn’t available. This is my favorite bread pudding now anyway! It’s delicious! I also used croissants instead because I love how flaky and crispy they get on top! Yum!

  • Reply Laura October 17, 2023 at 7:08 pm

    How many cups of cubed bread does 10 slices equal? Making this over the weekend for a birthday celebration! Thank you!

    • Reply Nicole Triebe October 17, 2023 at 7:14 pm

      5 to 6 cups

  • Reply Sharon October 29, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    What size Ramakin?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe October 29, 2023 at 7:26 pm

      4 ounces

  • Reply Lin January 10, 2024 at 4:55 pm

    If I don’t have day old bread, can I dry my bread out in the oven?

    • Reply Nicole Triebe January 10, 2024 at 5:04 pm

      Yes, that works!

  • Reply Kiki November 23, 2024 at 5:05 pm

    any ideas on what to use in place of the candied nuts? (have nut allergy.) would like to substitute it with something equally delicious!

    • Reply Nicole Triebe November 23, 2024 at 5:34 pm

      Here are some ideas:
      If you’re looking to add crunch to your bread pudding without using nuts, here are some tasty alternatives:

      1. **Granola**: It comes in various flavors and can add both crunch and a hint of sweetness.

      2. **Toasted Coconut Flakes**: These can give a lovely crunch and a slight tropical twist.

      3. **Pumpkin Seeds or Sunflower Seeds**: Both can provide a nutty flavor and crunch without being actual nuts.

      4. **Crushed Pretzels**: They’ll provide a salty crunch which can contrast nicely with the sweetness of the pudding.

      5. **Crispy Rice Cereal**: Adds a light, airy crunch without altering the flavor too much.

      6. **Graham Cracker Crumbles**: They offer a sweet crunch that complements the dessert well.

      7. **Toffee Bits or Caramel Pieces**: These can add both a crunch and a caramelized sweetness.

      8. **Apple Chips or Banana Chips**: Dried fruit chips can add a bit of crunch and natural sweetness.

      9. **Biscotti or Cookie Crumbles**: Any hard, crunchy cookie can work, adding flavor as well as texture.

      Feel free to experiment with these options to find the combination that best suits your taste!

  • Reply Kiki November 23, 2024 at 5:39 pm

    These are amazing ideas! TY. Will be making for Thanksgiving for sure!

    • Reply Nicole Triebe November 23, 2024 at 5:43 pm

      You’re welcome! Please leave a 5 star review if you love it!

  • Reply Kiki November 27, 2024 at 8:58 pm

    Made them and took your suggestion with the toffee bits in place of nuts. They are outstanding! Doubled the recipe and used stale croissants. Delicious!

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