We’ve always been captivated by Brennan’s bread pudding, a timeless favorite from New Orleans’ legendary Brennan’s restaurant. This Southern classic transforms simple ingredients into a warm, indulgent treat that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
What sets this recipe apart is its rich Creole influence and irresistible caramelized top. We’ll walk you through the steps to recreate that authentic flavor, bringing a bit of Big Easy magic to your table.
Ingredients
We gather the key elements for our Brennans Bread Pudding, drawing from its rich Creole roots to create a comforting, caramelized dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings. Below, we list the ingredients in the order we use them during preparation, including specific measurements and any prep notes for accuracy and ease.
For the Bread Pudding Base
- 8 cups French bread cubes (stale or day-old, cubed into 1-inch pieces to absorb flavors effectively)
- 4 large eggs (beaten lightly to bind the mixture)
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed slightly to enhance blending with other ingredients)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy texture that elevates the traditional Southern style)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided, with half used for sweetness and the rest for the caramelized top)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure variety for authentic flavor depth)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground if possible, to add warm spice notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (grated fresh for a subtle, aromatic kick)
- 1/2 cup raisins (plumped in warm water for 10 minutes to prevent drying out)
For the Caramelized Topping
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted to create a glossy finish)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed firmly for a deep, molasses-rich glaze)
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, for that signature Creole warmth, but use high-quality for best results)
This selection ensures our Brennans Bread Pudding delivers the classic New Orleans charm, with simple ingredients transforming into a decadent treat.
Directions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for Brennan’s bread pudding, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to transform them into a rich, caramelized delight straight from New Orleans.
Prepare the Bread
First, we take 8 cups of French bread cubes and ensure they are perfectly stale or lightly toasted for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the cubes on a baking sheet; bake them for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp, allowing the bread to absorb the custard without becoming soggy. This step enhances the authentic New Orleans charm by giving the pudding a hearty, satisfying base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Make the Custard
Next, we whisk together the wet ingredients to create a luscious, spiced custard that forms the heart of our bread pudding. In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs until smooth, then stir in 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg for that warm, inviting flavor. Continue whisking until the mixture is fully combined and velvety—this aromatic blend will infuse the bread with the decadent, Creole-inspired essence that makes Brennan’s recipe unforgettable.
Assemble and Bake
With our components ready, we layer everything for baking to achieve that signature caramelized top. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter the prepared bread cubes evenly inside. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently to ensure even soaking; let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the flavors fully. For the topping, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan, mix in 1 cup of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of optional bourbon, then drizzle it over the top. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the pudding is set and the top is gloriously golden and bubbling—the sweet, buttery aroma will fill your kitchen, promising a comforting treat with a delightful crunch.
Cool and Serve
Finally, we let the bread pudding cool slightly to perfect its texture before serving. Remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack, which helps the custard firm up and makes slicing easier. Serve warm portions in bowls, optionally drizzled with extra cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to highlight the caramelized flavors of this New Orleans classic, ensuring each bite delivers that irresistible blend of soft, spiced interior and crispy edges.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Brennan’s bread pudding to life with its rich, caramelized charm, we rely on essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and authentic results. Let’s outline the key equipment we’ll need, organized for easy reference.
Basic Kitchen Essentials
For mixing and measuring the ingredients, such as the French bread cubes and creamy custard base, gather these items:
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the 8 cups of French bread cubes with the egg and milk mixture to achieve even soaking.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and 1 cup of heavy cream into a smooth, luscious custard.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of sugars, spices, and liquids to maintain the recipe’s balance of sweetness and flavor.
Baking and Assembly Tools
When it comes to assembling and baking the pudding, these tools help create that signature caramelized topping and even bake:
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A must-have for layering the bread and custard mixture, allowing for the perfect rise and golden-brown finish.
- Oven: Set to 350°F for baking, ensuring the pudding develops its comforting, warm texture without overcooking.
- Saucepan: Useful for melting the unsalted butter and brown sugar topping, adding that irresistible Creole-inspired warmth—especially if incorporating optional bourbon.
Additional Handy Items
To handle prep and serving efficiently, include:
- Knife: For cubing the French bread, making sure it’s stale or lightly toasted for optimal absorption.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and transferring mixtures, helping us avoid any messy spills during assembly.
With this equipment on hand, we’re set to execute the steps seamlessly and craft a decadent Brennan’s bread pudding that captures the essence of New Orleans’ culinary tradition.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Brennan’s Bread Pudding recipe is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to save time while letting flavors meld for an even more decadent result. By planning ahead, we ensure the custard soaks into the bread cubes perfectly, creating a richer, more comforting texture that’s ideal for holidays or busy weeknights.
Preparing the Pudding in Advance
To get started, we recommend assembling the bread pudding up to 24 hours before baking. Here’s how we do it step by step:
- Gather your ingredients and equipment first: Using the ingredients from our earlier sections—like 8 cups of French bread cubes, 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, and the caramelized topping mix—ensure everything is measured and ready.
- Prepare the bread and custard mixture: Cube the bread as directed and lightly toast it if needed for staleness. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugars, and spices to form the custard. This creates a silky, aromatic base that will infuse the bread with warm, Creole-inspired flavors.
- Assemble in the baking dish: Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish, layer in the bread cubes, and pour the custard over them evenly. Top with the buttery brown sugar mixture for that signature caramelized crust. At this stage, the pudding will look invitingly golden and promise a soft, indulgent interior.
- Cover and refrigerate: Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. This step allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, enhancing the pudding’s moist, velvety texture and deepening its sweet-spicy notes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
For longer make-ahead options, we can prepare the pudding up to 2 days in advance, but proper storage is key to maintaining its fresh, homemade quality:
- Refrigerate for short-term storage: Keep the assembled pudding in the fridge at 40°F or below. This helps preserve the freshness of ingredients like eggs and cream, preventing any spoilage.
- Freeze for extended storage: If we’re making it further ahead, freeze the unbaked pudding for up to 1 month. Simply wrap the dish in an extra layer of foil before freezing to lock in moisture and flavor.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Enhances flavor melding; quick prep |
| Freezing | Up to 1 month | Preserves texture; ideal for events |
When it’s time to bake, remove the pudding from the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to avoid thermal shock. Bake as per our step-by-step guide at 350°F until golden and bubbling, then cool slightly for that perfect, warm serving experience. This approach keeps our Brennan’s Bread Pudding effortlessly delicious and ready to impress.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through Brennan’s bread pudding
It’s a simple yet indulgent way to capture New Orleans’ spirit in your kitchen
Give it a go and savor the cozy vibes it brings to your table
We’re sure it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brennan’s bread pudding?
Brennan’s bread pudding is a classic New Orleans dessert from the renowned Brennan’s restaurant, known for its comforting, Creole-inspired flavors. It’s made with simple ingredients like French bread, eggs, milk, and cream, topped with a caramelized layer for a rich, Southern taste. Perfect for family gatherings, it offers a warm, indulgent treat that captures the essence of Louisiana cuisine.
What ingredients are needed for Brennan’s bread pudding?
Key ingredients include 8 cups of French bread cubes, 4 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, sugars, and spices for flavor. For the caramelized topping, you’ll need unsalted butter, brown sugar, and optional bourbon. These simple components create a moist, flavorful dessert that’s easy to prepare at home.
How do you make Brennan’s bread pudding?
Start by toasting or using stale French bread cubes. Mix eggs, milk, cream, and spices to make a custard, then layer it with the bread in a greased baking dish. Add a buttery brown sugar topping and bake until golden and caramelized. Cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with cream or ice cream. The process takes about 1-2 hours total.
What equipment is required for Brennan’s bread pudding?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups, and a 9×13 inch baking dish for even baking and a perfect caramelized top. These basic tools ensure the bread absorbs the custard properly, resulting in a textured, delicious dessert without any special gadgets.
Can I make Brennan’s bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pudding up to 24 hours in advance to let the custard soak into the bread for better flavor. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, bake from chilled or thawed state, adding a few extra minutes if needed, to enjoy fresh-baked convenience.