Looking for a dessert that’s both cozy and sophisticated? ✨ This Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding is comfort food reimagined with a grown-up twist. Made with tender brioche, bold espresso, buttery custard, and a splash of espresso-infused bourbon, this dessert is a flavor-packed celebration in every bite. 😍
Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want something extra special for your next dinner party, this rich, soul-warming treat is always a hit. Bonus: it’s surprisingly simple to make! 🎉
💖 Why You’ll Love This Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding
- ☕ Bold coffee & bourbon flavors without overpowering sweetness
- 🍞 Perfect way to use up day-old brioche (or challah!)
- 🍬 Candied pecans add the ideal crunch and contrast
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly for easy entertaining
- 😋 Pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or nothing at all!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 10 slices day-old brioche bread, cubed 🍞
- 3 large eggs, beaten 🥚
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 1½ cups whole milk 🥛
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly brewed espresso, cooled ☕
- ¼ cup espresso-infused bourbon (Bearcat or your favorite!) 🥃
- ½ cup candied pecans, chopped
For the Bourbon Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼–½ cup bourbon or coffee liqueur
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
👩🍳 How to Make Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding
1. Prep the Bread 🍞
Cube your day-old brioche into 1-inch pieces. If it’s fresh, toast the cubes lightly or let them dry out uncovered for a few hours to improve absorption.
2. Make the Custard 🥄
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, melted butter, milk, cream, espresso, and bourbon until fully combined and smooth.
3. Soak the Bread 💧
Place the brioche cubes in a large bowl. Pour the custard slowly over the bread, gently folding to coat all pieces. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the goodness.
4. Add the Pecans 🥜
Gently fold in chopped candied pecans until evenly distributed. Yum!
5. Portion & Rest ⏳
Spoon the mixture into buttered ramekins (or a 9×13 baking dish), filling each about ¾ full. Let them sit for 20 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
6. Bake Until Golden 🔥
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes, until puffed, golden on top, and slightly jiggly in the center.
7. Make the Bourbon Sauce 🍯
While the pudding bakes, combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Serve Warm & Drizzle ✨
Pour warm bourbon cream sauce over the bread pudding right before serving. Optional: top with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa, or a chocolate-covered espresso bean for extra flair! 🍫☕
💡 Pro Tips for Bread Pudding Success
- ✅ Day-old bread is best: It absorbs custard without going soggy.
- 💥 Don’t skip the rest period: Letting it soak ensures richness in every bite.
- 🌟 Use espresso-infused bourbon for standout flavor (Bearcat is amazing!).
- 🍨 Serving ideas: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or just that bourbon sauce!
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Challah and sourdough work well too. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale.
→ How do I make this alcohol-free? 🚫🥃
Replace bourbon with strong brewed coffee + 1 tbsp maple syrup and a dash of vanilla. For the sauce, sub extra cream and add 1 tbsp instant espresso.
→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time? 🕓
Yes! You can assemble the ramekins up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge (add 10 extra minutes), and reheat the sauce when ready to serve.
→ Can I freeze leftovers? ❄️
Definitely! Wrap cooled puddings tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Ramekins or baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Final Thoughts
This Espresso Bourbon Bread Pudding is comfort food with flair—perfect for cozy nights, festive tables, or just spoiling yourself. 💃 The combination of coffee, cream, and bourbon makes every bite feel luxurious, while the ease of prep makes it a baker’s dream. 🌟
Serve it warm, drizzle it generously, and bask in the compliments. 🥰 You’ll never look at leftover brioche the same way again.