A warm slice of Commander’s Palace bread pudding, rich and sweet, sitting on your plate. Maybe it’s drizzled with a gooey bourbon sauce that has just the right amount of kick. The perfect accompaniment? A cup of freshly brewed coffee.
The robustness of the coffee complements the sweet, creamy bread pudding beautifully. Or how about a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside it? The coldness of the ice cream balances out the warm texture of the pudding perfectly. Feeling adventurous? Try pairing it with a tart berry compote to cut through the sweetness.
These flavors mix and mingle wonderfully, creating a dessert experience that you’ll remember long after the last bite. And with summer gatherings on the horizon, this dish will surely steal the spotlight. Trust me; it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Now, let me tell you why this recipe is not just any old bread pudding. Commander’s Palace is a renowned establishment in New Orleans. Their bread pudding is legendary, often touted as a must-try dessert. This recipe captures that magic but is adapted for you to create right in your kitchen. The best part? You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to nail this dish. Just a bit of patience and love for food will work wonders.
I’ve made this bread pudding countless times, and every time it disappears faster than a New Orleans jazz band can play a lively tune! Friends and family rave about how soft and delicious it is. And while I do love the classic version straight from Commander’s Palace, I’ve added my touches that make it even more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread Pudding Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 5 large eggs, whisked until frothy
- 2 cups heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- 12 slices of French baguette, each about 1 inch thick, lightly toasted
- 1 ounce golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
Bourbon Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fine sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
How to Make Commander’s Palace Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by lightly toasting the slices of French baguette. Think about that beautiful golden color you’re aiming for. It enhances the flavor and gives your pudding amazing texture. Trust me, you want this step! Once toasted, cut the slices into cubes.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Add in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. This mixture is where the magic starts. The aroma that fills your kitchen is something else! Combine everything until smooth, with no lumps in sight.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a big bowl, toss the bread cubes, raisins, orange zest, and chopped pecans together. Then, pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is well coated. This is the moment when you get to use your hands. I love to dive in—mixing gently to let the bread soak up all that creaminess. Let this mixture chill for about 30 minutes. It gives the flavors time to infuse.
Step 4: Preheat and Bake
While your mixture rests, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until it’s a heavenly golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Bourbon Sauce
While the pudding is baking, let’s whip up that bourbon sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and water. Stir until it’s bubbly and smooth. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then add it to the saucepan. This will give your sauce that perfect thickness. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon. The aroma will send your taste buds dancing!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your bread pudding has baked and cooled a bit, it’s time to dig in. Drizzle with the warm bourbon sauce over each serving. Dig your fork in and take a bite. I promise, it will take you on a flavorful journey. Every creamy, warm mouthful is pure joy.
Recipe Notes
- Granulated Sugar: This gives a lovely sweetness. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness in the finished dish.
- Eggs: Five substantial eggs provide richness and structure.
- Heavy Cream: It gives the pudding its luxurious texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A must-have! It elevates the flavor nicely.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch complements the sweetness perfectly.
- French Baguette: The soft center of the bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Golden Raisins: They bring a chewy, sweet contrast.
- Orange Zest: Adds a slight brightness that lifts the dish.
- Pecans/Walnuts: Nuts give a wonderful crunch against the soft pudding.
Recipe Variations
There’s so much room for creativity in this recipe. How about adding chocolate chips for an indulgent twist? You can also swap out the pecans or walnuts for almonds or macadamia nuts based on your preference. If fruits are more your style, diced apples or berries can add a burst of flavor. Don’t shy away from experimenting with spices too! Throw in a little nutmeg or cardamom for something different.
Commander’s Palace Bread Pudding Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 ounces unsalted butter softened
- 5 large eggs whisked
- 2 cups heavy cream at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 12 slices of French baguette each 1″ thick, lightly toasted
- 1 ounce golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- Bourbon Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fine sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Start by lightly toasting the slices of French baguette. Think about that beautiful golden color you’re aiming for. It enhances the flavor and gives your pudding amazing texture. Trust me, you want this step! Once toasted, cut the slices into cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Add in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. This mixture is where the magic starts. The aroma that fills your kitchen is something else! Combine everything until smooth, with no lumps in sight.
- In a big bowl, toss the bread cubes, raisins, orange zest, and chopped pecans together. Then, pour the egg mixture over the bread, ensuring each piece is well coated. This is the moment when you get to use your hands. I love to dive in—mixing gently to let the bread soak up all that creaminess. Let this mixture chill for about 30 minutes. It gives the flavors time to infuse.
- While your mixture rests, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, transfer the soaked bread and custard mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until it’s a heavenly golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the pudding is baking, let’s whip up that bourbon sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, butter, and water. Stir until it’s bubbly and smooth. Mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then add it to the saucepan. This will give your sauce that perfect thickness. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon. The aroma will send your taste buds dancing!
- Once your bread pudding has baked and cooled a bit, it’s time to dig in. Drizzle with the warm bourbon sauce over each serving. Dig your fork in and take a bite. I promise, it will take you on a flavorful journey. Every creamy, warm mouthful is pure joy.
Notes
- Granulated Sugar: This gives a lovely sweetness. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness in the finished dish.
- Eggs: Five substantial eggs provide richness and structure.
- Heavy Cream: It gives the pudding its luxurious texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A must-have! It elevates the flavor nicely.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a pinch complements the sweetness perfectly.
- French Baguette: The soft center of the bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
- Golden Raisins: They bring a chewy, sweet contrast.
- Orange Zest: Adds a slight brightness that lifts the dish.
- Pecans/Walnuts: Nuts give a wonderful crunch against the soft pudding.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There you have it: a comprehensive guide to making Commander’s Palace bread pudding at home. With a few steps and ingredients, you can replicate a dish renowned for its scrumptiousness. Every time I make this dessert, I’m greeted with joyful plates and satisfied smiles. It brings everyone together, sharing stories over forkfuls of this delightful pudding.
So, whether it’s a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner, this bread pudding is a sure-fire hit. Go ahead, give it a shot. You might find it becomes your new favorite recipe!
