Make Ahead

Bourbon Bread Pudding

by:
March 12, 2011
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 6
Author Notes

Please do use stale croissants for this - the grocery store variety are perfectly fine. They lend a lightness that breads, even rich ones like brioche, just don't have. No bourbon? Use brandy instead. Even cognac. —boulangere

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 3 stale croissants (grocery store variety are just fine)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3 ounces sugar, or a scant 1/2 cup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ounces bourbon (or brandy)
  • 18 ounces heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Split the croissants through the middle lengthwise, then cut into 1" cubes and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. Add the sugar in a steady stream, whisking all the while. Add the vanilla extract, bourbon, heavy cream, and spices. Whisk to blend.
  4. Pour the cream mixture over the croissant cubes. Using a spatula, fold gently to blend. Let sit for 5 minutes so the croissant cubes can absorb some, but not all, of the liquid.
  5. Fill 8-ounce ramekins to within 1/2" of top. Set them in a 9"x13" baking pan. Set the pan in the oven, just hanging slightly over the front edge of the rack. Fill the baking pan halfway with very hot tap water. Gently slide the pan the rest of the way into the oven.
  6. Bake until custards are puffed and nicely browned, about 20-25 minutes. Carefully remove baking pan from oven. Lift ramekins from baking pan (I use a canning jar lifter for this step) and allow to cool before refrigerating or serving.
  7. To serve, bring to room temperature. Perhaps drop a scoop of ice cream on top along with a few gratings of fresh nutmeg.
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4 Reviews

sospled
sospled September 26, 2011
How much sugar do you use?
 
boulangere
boulangere September 26, 2011
/well that's a good question. You're the first to notice the missing ingredient. 3 ounces should to it, or a scant 1/2 cup. Thank you!
 
boulangere
boulangere March 27, 2011
Isn't it wonderful how croissants lighten bread pudding? And bourbon or brandy adds another layer of flavor - quite subtle. I hope you enjoy it.
 
checker
checker March 27, 2011
I've been making my Bread Pudding with croissants too. But I haven't thought about adding bourbon or brandy. That just sounds wonderful!