New Orleans Bread Pudding: 10 Irresistible Secrets

December 29, 2025

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New Orleans Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert made with cubed bread soaked in a creamy custard and baked to perfection. This classic treat is a staple in Louisiana cuisine, offering a warm and comforting experience that embodies the spirit of New Orleans. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed at home, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This New Orleans Bread Pudding

This New Orleans Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
Great for repurposing day-old bread, minimizing waste.
Can be customized with various add-ins like raisins or chocolate chips.
Serves well warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
Pairs beautifully with a decadent rum sauce for an extra treat.
A beloved traditional Southern Bread Pudding that brings a taste of Louisiana into your kitchen.

Ingredients for New Orleans Bread Pudding

Gather these items:

6 cups day-old bread, cubed
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Rum sauce for serving (optional)

How to Make New Orleans Bread Pudding Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are soaked.
Step 5: If using, fold in the raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, or drizzle with rum sauce.

Irresistible New Orleans Bread Pudding fresh from the oven, ready to serve

Pro Tips for the Best New Orleans Bread Pudding

Keep these in mind:

This bread pudding can be served warm or cold.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, use day-old bread.
Experiment with flavors by adding chocolate chips or nuts.
Let it sit for a few minutes after baking to set properly.

Best Ways to Serve New Orleans Bread Pudding

Here are a few ideas for serving this delectable dessert:

Serve warm with a drizzle of rum sauce for a decadent touch.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Dust with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.

How to Store and Reheat New Orleans Bread Pudding

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans Bread Pudding

What’s the secret to perfect New Orleans Bread Pudding?

The secret lies in using quality day-old bread and ensuring each piece is soaked well in custard. This creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Can I make New Orleans Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the day before and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven before serving for a warm, fresh dessert.

How do I avoid common mistakes with New Orleans Bread Pudding?

Make sure not to overbake it to prevent dryness. Also, ensure the custard is mixed thoroughly to avoid any uneven texture.

Delicious New Orleans Bread Pudding served with rum sauce

Variations of New Orleans Bread Pudding You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding – Add cinnamon-raisin bread for a spiced flavor.
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Custard Style Bread Pudding – Use a richer custard base for a creamier dessert.
Decadent Bread Pudding Variations – Top with fresh berries or nuts for added crunch.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making Pumpkin Patch Cookies for a seasonal treat. If you’re looking for a savory option, consider our Chicken Caesar Sandwich.

New Orleans Bread Pudding: 10 Irresistible Secrets

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Author: Angela
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

New Orleans Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert made with cubed bread soaked in a creamy custard and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups day-old bread, cubed
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Rum sauce for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are soaked.
If using, fold in the raisins for added sweetness and texture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, or drizzle with rum sauce.