Crockpot Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Bread pudding is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Its soft, custardy texture combined with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of nutmeg creates the perfect ending to any meal. What makes this recipe even better? It’s made in a crockpot!
The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the flavors into every piece of bread while keeping the pudding moist and rich. And then there’s the bourbon sauce—sweet, buttery, and just a little indulgent. This dessert is a hit for special occasions or cozy evenings at home.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this without bourbon?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the bourbon, replace it with vanilla extract or an equal amount of water for a kid-friendly version.
Q: What type of bread works best?
A: Day-old brioche, challah, or French bread are perfect. They’re sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Q: Can I add extras like raisins or nuts?
A: Definitely! Mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding in the crockpot a few hours before cooking. Keep it covered in the fridge, then start the cooking process when ready.
What You Need to Make Crockpot Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Ingredients for Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Ingredients for Bourbon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or substitute with vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
How to Make Crockpot Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Add the bread cubes and pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to ensure every piece is soaked.
Step 4: Cook the Bread Pudding
Cover and cook on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Bourbon Sauce
While the bread pudding cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and bourbon, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with bourbon sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Bread Pudding
- Use Slightly Stale Bread: This prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
- Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, dried fruits, or toasted nuts can take this dessert to the next level.
- Double the Sauce: If your family loves the sauce as much as mine does, make a double batch!
- Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm, right out of the crockpot.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe was a hit at our holiday dinner! The bourbon sauce is to die for.” – Linda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I love how easy this was to make. It tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.” – Karen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I added raisins and it turned out amazing. Will definitely make again!” – Sarah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This bread pudding is perfection. The crockpot made it so simple!” – George
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The bourbon sauce really made this dessert stand out. Absolutely delicious!” – Emily
Printable Recipe
Crockpot Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Warm, custardy bread pudding made effortlessly in the crockpot, topped with a decadent bourbon sauce. Perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- Ingredients for Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread), cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Ingredients for Bourbon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon (or substitute with vanilla extract)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
- Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without turning mushy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray. Add the bread cubes and pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently press the bread down with a spoon to ensure every piece is soaked.
Step 4: Cook the Bread Pudding
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Bourbon Sauce
- While the bread pudding cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the powdered sugar and bourbon, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with bourbon sauce.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
Blissful Blueberry Shortcake Cake
Make Delicious Ice Cream in a Bag in Just 15 Minutes
If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Crockpot Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, why not share the joy? Post this recipe on your favorite social media platforms, send it to friends, or even bookmark it for later. Let’s spread the love for easy, comforting desserts!
