Fall in Love with Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Hello my fellow foodies, I am thrilled to share with you this delicious recipe for Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce. This dessert is an all-time favorite in Ireland and brings together the classic flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, and raisin bread with the richness of Irish whiskey.
For those who are not familiar, bread pudding is a classic British dessert that has been around for centuries. It was originally created as a way to use up stale bread and is now enjoyed in various forms all over the world. This recipe is inspired by the traditional Irish version and has been updated with a whiskey sauce that adds just the right kick.
Whether you’re planning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or simply looking for a comforting dessert to indulge in, this Irish Bread Pudding will hit all the right notes. So let’s put on our aprons and get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine biting into a warm, comforting, and indulgent dessert that tastes like it was made with love and care. That’s what you’ll experience with this traditional Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with this delectable dessert that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any day when you want to treat yourself.
The combination of sweet bread pudding and irresistible whiskey sauce is simply divine. Just imagine toasted bread cubes soaked in a rich custard mixture with sugar, milk, cream, eggs, and warming spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, it’s baked to perfection until it’s golden brown on top and tender on the inside. The end result is a fluffy and pillowy bread pudding that’s full of flavor and texture.
And let’s not forget about the delicious whiskey sauce! This rich and buttery sauce is infused with Irish whiskey that adds a touch of smokiness and complexity to the dish. It perfectly complements the sweetness of the bread pudding and creates a harmony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your friends and family or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe is just what you need. It’s easy to make, comforting, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. What more could you ask for?
Ingredient List
Here is a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe:
For the Irish Bread Pudding:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing the dish
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- 1 loaf Irish soda bread or other rustic bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup Irish whiskey
For the Whiskey Sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. With these ingredients in your pantry, you will be able to create an authentic and traditional Irish dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day festivities or any special occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive right in and start preparing our Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce.
Preparing the Bread and Raisins
To start, we need 4 cups of bread cut into 1-inch thick slices. I recommend using French bread or even better, Irish soda bread as it will add to the traditional Irish taste. Cut the bread into cubes and spread them out onto a baking sheet to dry overnight.
Once the bread is dry, place it into a large mixing bowl and mix in 2 cups of raisins that have been soaked in 1/4 cup of Irish whiskey to give them that extra Irish kick.
Preparing the Pudding Mixture
In another mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt and finally one cup of heavy cream and two cups of whole milk until well combined.
Pour this mixture over your bread cubes and raisins, ensuring that all pieces are coated evenly. Gently toss the mixture until all the liquid has been absorbed by the bread.
Baking
Place the mixture in a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and pat down gently to form an even layer. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
After 45 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Preparing the Whiskey Caramel Sauce
While your pudding is cooking or cooling, you can prepare your homemade whiskey caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of Irish whiskey. Swirl the pan to combine but avoid stirring.
Cook until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter until well combined, followed by one cup of heavy cream.
Return the pan to heat and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly. Once done, remove from heat to cool slightly before serving over your pudding.
Serving
To serve, cut into desired slices and drizzle generously with your whiskey caramel sauce. For an extra decadent touch, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even homemade whipped cream.
Enjoy this traditional Irish dessert recipe with friends and family on special occasions such as St. Patrick’s Day or any time you crave a warm, comforting treat!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to substitutions and variations for this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe, there are a few options to consider.
First, you can use any type of bread you have on hand. While the recipe calls for French bread or Irish soda bread, you could also use brioche, raisin bread, or even hot cross buns for a delicious twist on this classic dessert.
For those who prefer a more traditional Irish flavor, you can swap out the whiskey sauce for an Irish cream sauce. Simply whisk together some heavy cream, Irish cream liqueur, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet and creamy topping perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day treat.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a kick, try swapping out the Irish whiskey for another variety of your choice such as bourbon or even Jack Daniels.
For those who may not have access to certain ingredients like heavy cream or unsalted butter, feel free to substitute with milk and regular salted butter for similar results.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous or want to experiment with different flavors, adding in some maple syrup or caramel to the sauce can take this already delicious dessert to the next level.
As always when substituting ingredients, keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly so don’t hesitate to try different variations until you find one that suits your taste buds perfectly.
Serving and Pairing
When serving this traditional Irish bread pudding with whiskey sauce, it is best to allow it to cool slightly so that the flavors can meld together perfectly. This pudding is wonderfully comforting and indulgent. The warm and soft pieces of bread soaked in sweet custard, dotted with raisins and scented with nutmeg and cinnamon, are perfectly complemented by the rich and boozy whiskey caramel sauce.
To elevate the flavors even more, pair this dessert with a warm Irish coffee, made with a splash of Irish whiskey, hot coffee, brown sugar and topped with whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of buttercream to balance its sweetness.
This dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any cozy winter nights spent indoors. Share it with friends and family, and savor its delicious taste paired with a glass of Irish whiskey or a simple cup of tea. Either way, this Irish dessert is sure to warm your heart and soul.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear friend, I understand that having a delicious bread pudding ready for any occasion is quite rewarding. With this Irish Bread Pudding recipe, not only can you have a sweet and delightful dessert in no time, but you can also make it ahead of time! Yes, that’s right; you can prep it to perfection and enjoy it fresh from the oven or let it rest and save it for later.
To make this bread pudding in advance, try preparing it a day or two before. Once the bread pudding has been cooked, slice it into servings as desired, allowing each piece to cool entirely. Store the leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat the serving, warm them in the microwave or oven. Alternatively, prepare the entire bread pudding until ready to bake following step 4 of the recipe instructions. Cover tightly with plastic wrap then aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight. The next day remove the wrapping from the refrigerated bread pudding and allow sitting out for 30 minutes as reheating instructions below.
Reheating helps marry all of those spices and allows the sauce flavors to meld together seamlessly. Pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until heated through adequately. To ensure your sliced bread doesn’t dry up, sprinkle some water droplets over the top of them before reheating.
Now, if you have any leftover Whiskey Sauce or Caramel sauce, don’t worry, you got options! Both sauces store fantastically in a sealed container in your fridge for up to two weeks. Before use though note that they will thicken when stored, so slowly heat them up on low heat until fluid or microwaving is advisable.
Remember these tips as you prepare your Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe ahead of time or saving leftovers.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a chef who has mastered the art of British cuisine, I understand that sometimes it takes just a small change to make a massive difference in the outcome of a recipe. Here are some tips on how to make sure your Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe comes out perfectly every time.
1. Use Stale Bread
Bread pudding requires stale bread as it can absorb the egg mixture better, creating a luscious and creamy texture. Cut the bread into cubes or slices and leave them out overnight to dry.
2. Soak the Raisins
To avoid having hard raisins in your bread pudding, soak them in hot water or Irish whiskey for 15-20 minutes before incorporating them into the recipe. This will plump them up and add an extra layer of flavor.
3. Grease Your Pan
Butter is an essential ingredient in this recipe, but don’t forget to use it to grease your baking pan too. This will keep the pudding from sticking, and you don’t miss any of that delicious goodness when transferring it onto your serving dish.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Bread Pudding
Bread pudding can be tricky to bake evenly, and every oven is different, so keep an eye on it while it’s cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the pudding; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, then you’re good to go.
5. Let It Rest
After taking your Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce out of the oven, let it rest for at least ten minutes before slicing or adding any sauce on top. This will allow the pudding to cool slightly, preventing any loose crumbs or sauce from making a mess on your plate.
By following these tips and tricks for perfect results, you can be sure that this traditional Irish dessert will turn out delicious every time!
FAQ
Now that you have all the necessary information to make this delicious Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce, let’s take some time to answer some frequently asked questions. These questions were collected from those who have tried this recipe and are curious about certain aspects of it. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, these answers will help you perfect your technique and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Let’s dive in!
What is bread pudding sauce made of?
Looking for a delectable sauce to elevate your desserts? Look no further than this divine blend of butter, cream, rum, and vanilla. Whether you’re indulging in our delicious Bread Pudding or delightful Bakewell Tarts, this sauce is sure to take your sweet treats to the next level.
What is Irish bread pudding made of?
For this delicious recipe, we’ll need approximately 10 cups of French bread, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces. You can add 1/2 cup of raisins to your bread pudding mixture, or swap them out for chocolate chips if you prefer. We’ll also be making a heavenly Irish Whiskey Caramel Sauce, which will require 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, and 3/4 tablespoon of vanilla extract. We’ll round things out with a 12 ounce can of evaporated milk and two lightly beaten eggs.
How to make bread pudding Jamie Oliver?
For this traditional British dessert recipe, you’ll need 600 milliliters of semi-skimmed milk, 200 milliliters of double cream, and 400 milliliters of single cream. Also, make sure to have a vanilla pod, 4 medium-sized free-range eggs, 170 grams of caster sugar, 6 hot cross buns (sliced in half and spread with butter), and an additional knob of butter for the buns.
Does bread pudding contain alcohol?
Bread pudding is a versatile dish that can be eaten either warm or cold. It is typically garnished with powdered sugar and sauce. In New Orleans, the sauce options usually have a boozy kick, with rum or whiskey being popular choices. However, non-alcoholic sauces like caramel sauce or maple syrup are also widely enjoyed.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion, but especially for St. Patrick’s Day. With its delicious blend of spices and the unique taste of Irish whiskey, it will transport you straight to the Emerald Isle. Whether you prefer traditional Irish soda bread or French baguette, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your taste. And with its make-ahead capabilities and easy-to-store options, you can enjoy this tasty treat long after St. Patrick’s Day is over.
Furthermore, this recipe is full of tips and substitutions that allow you to tweak the flavors to your liking, and its decadent sauce will elevate even the plainest pudding into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Choose between the rich caramel whiskey sauce or the smooth vanilla Irish cream sauce – either way, you’re in for a treat.
So if you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in some delicious Irish-inspired cuisine, give this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce recipe a try. I guarantee that once you’ve tasted it, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Irish Bread Pudding With Whiskey Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 1 lb white bread, cubed
- 6 ounces melted butter
- 8 eggs
- 1 cup sugar, plus
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 quart milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Whiskey Sauce
- 1 lb butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup Irish whiskey
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350.
- Line a large, deep roasting pan with dish towels.
- Bring a kettle of water to a boil.
- Place rack in the center of oven.
- Drizzle the melted butter over bread cubes and place them in a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
- Scald the milk and cream.
- Mix together the eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla. Stir in the hot milk and cream.
- Pour this custard over the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon and nutmeg (go easy on the nutmeg).
- Place baking pan in roasting pan and set on oven rack.
- Pour boiling water into roasting pan until it comes at least halfway up the sides of the baking pan.
- Bake in a water bath until set, about 40 minutes.
- Serve warm with whisky sauce.
- You'll only need 1/2 the recipe for the sauce, or make only 1/2 the recipe.
- Whiskey Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.
- When bubbling, whisk in sugar but do not bring to boil.
- In a separate bowl beat the egg yolks.
- When the sugar is melted, slowly whisk the yolks into the sugar mixture.
- Remove from heat.
- Slowly whisk in the whisky and drizzle over bread pudding.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.