Rich, buttery, and drizzled with a warm whiskey caramel sauce, this Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding is the ultimate indulgent dessert for Father’s Day. Made with soft brioche or French bread, this classic comfort dessert is infused with warm spices and topped with a silky-smooth caramel sauce with a hint of whiskey for a sophisticated touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadently Rich & Buttery – Made with brioche or French bread for the perfect texture.
Warm & Comforting – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla give it a cozy flavor.
Boozy Caramel Sauce – The whiskey-infused caramel takes this dessert to the next level.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof method make this great for beginners.
Perfect for Special Occasions – An elegant yet comforting dessert ideal for Father’s Day or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups cubed brioche or French bread (slightly stale)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Whiskey Caramel Sauce:

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup whiskey (bourbon or preferred brand)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Bread Pudding

Place the cubed bread in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, stirring gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.
Stir in the chopped pecans (if using).
Transfer the soaked bread mixture to the prepared baking dish.

3. Bake the Bread Pudding

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the sauce.

4. Make the Whiskey Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar and whisk until smooth.
Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Pour in the whiskey, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue stirring for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Drizzle the warm whiskey caramel sauce over the bread pudding.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

Chocolate Twist – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the bread pudding before baking.
Nut-Free Option – Omit the pecans or replace them with raisins.
Extra Boozy Sauce – Increase the whiskey for a stronger caramel flavor.
Maple-Caramel Sauce – Substitute maple syrup for some of the brown sugar in the sauce.
Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, drizzling with extra caramel sauce to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Challah, sourdough, or even croissants work well. Stale bread absorbs the custard best.

Does the alcohol cook out of the caramel sauce?

Some of the alcohol evaporates during cooking, but a slight whiskey flavor remains.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for whiskey?

You can use rum, bourbon, or omit it entirely and replace it with vanilla extract.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes, substitute eggs with ¾ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The center should be set but slightly soft and a toothpick should come out clean.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert?

Enjoy warm, topped with whiskey caramel sauce, ice cream, or whipped cream.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but homemade whiskey caramel adds deeper flavor and richness.

Why let the bread soak before baking?

Allowing it to soak for 10 minutes ensures the custard is evenly absorbed, making the pudding moist.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding is the perfect dessert for Father’s Day, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced bread pudding with a rich, boozy caramel sauce. Whether served warm with ice cream or on its own, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Whiskey Caramel Bread Pudding

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Rich, buttery bread pudding soaked in a warm whiskey caramel sauce—this indulgent dessert is the ultimate sweet treat for Father’s Day!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Simmering
Cuisine: American, Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place cubed bread in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour over the bread and mix gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
Stir in chopped pecans (if using), then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and set.

For the Whiskey Caramel Sauce:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and whisk until smooth.
Slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Pour in whiskey, vanilla, and salt, stirring until thickened (3-5 minutes).
Drizzle warm sauce over the baked bread pudding before serving.

Notes

Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
Substitute maple syrup or rum if you prefer a different flavor.

Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!