# Bourbon Bread Pudding With Vanilla Custard Day-old brioche absorbs a vanilla-bourbon custard in this warm Thanksgiving dessert, with crisp edges and a tender center. By The Signal Edition | Food / Thanksgiving Recipes Published: 2026-10-25T00:00:00Z Updated: 2026-10-25T18:06:59Z Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/thanksgiving-bourbon-bread-pudding-thx39 Image: https://www.thesignaledition.com/media/c36a0e5751866941b6d8db014b72f6ad.jpg (A golden pumpkin pie surrounded by small white pumpkins and autumn flowers on a Thanksgiving dessert table; credit: Source: Los Angeles Times) ## Summary - Yield: one 9-by-13-inch dish, 12 servings; preparation: 20 minutes plus 30 minutes soaking; baking: 45 to 55 minutes. - The recipe is written for standard U.S. volume measurements and includes make-ahead, storage and substitution guidance. - Eggs and dairy should remain refrigerated, and perishable leftovers should be chilled within two hours. ## How to make bourbon bread pudding Bread pudding appears on some regional and family Thanksgiving tables, but national polling centers on pumpkin, apple and pecan pies. This bourbon version is best presented as a warm alternative, not a national standard. This original bourbon bread pudding is designed for a U.S. Thanksgiving menu and makes one 9-by-13-inch dish, 12 servings. Allow 20 minutes plus 30 minutes soaking for preparation and 45 to 55 minutes for baking. Read the method before starting, bring refrigerated ingredients to the temperatures specified and measure the pan carefully; custards, cakes and pastry all respond to pan size and oven heat. The formulation follows established holiday-baking principles while using a distinct ingredient balance and method. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) [2](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety) [4](https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/50997-adults-under-30-likely-to-get-into-politics-argument-thanksgiving) ## Ingredients 1 pound day-old brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes; 4 large eggs; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons bourbon; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional; 1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) ## Step-by-step method 1. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and add the bread cubes. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and melted butter. Pour evenly over the bread, add dried fruit and pecans if using, and press gently so the top cubes absorb custard. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) 2. Let stand 30 minutes, turning a few dry pieces midway. Heat the oven to 350°F. Set the dish on a rimmed sheet and bake 45 to 55 minutes, until puffed and golden and the center reaches 160°F. A knife inserted near the center should emerge moist but not coated in liquid custard. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) 3. Rest 15 minutes before serving. The pudding is best warm, when the top remains crisp and the interior is spoon-soft. Serve plain or with lightly whipped cream. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) [2](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety) ## Make-ahead, storage and substitutions Make-ahead and storage: Assemble without baking up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerate; allow 10 extra minutes in the oven. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat individual portions until hot. Perishable egg- or dairy-based desserts should not remain at room temperature for more than two hours. Store refrigerated foods at 40°F or colder. [2](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety) [3](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) Substitutions: Apple cider may replace bourbon for an alcohol-free version. Challah, French bread or croissants may replace brioche. Ingredient changes can alter set, moisture and baking time, so judge doneness by the visual and temperature cues in the method rather than the clock alone. [1](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) [2](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety) ## Reporting sources 1. [King Arthur Baking Company: 51 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes for a Sweet Holiday](https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2026/09/01/thanksgiving-desserts) (2026-09-01) 2. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: What You Need to Know About Egg Safety](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/what-you-need-know-about-egg-safety) (2024-03-05) 3. [USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Leftovers and Food Safety](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/leftovers-and-food-safety) (2020-07-31) 4. [YouGov: One-third of adults under 30 say they are likely to get into a political argument at Thanksgiving](https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/50997-adults-under-30-likely-to-get-into-politics-argument-thanksgiving) (2024-11-25)