Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to absolutely love this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those comforting classics that’s easy to whip up but tastes like you spent hours crafting it — perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests with minimal effort. The rich, custardy bread pudding paired with a lusciously smooth whiskey sauce just melts in your mouth, and I can’t wait to walk you through making it yourself.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how these ingredients aren’t just pantry staples, but they all have a purpose to create the perfect Irish bread pudding experience — from the spice warmth to the whiskey kick. Plus, they’re straightforward to find so you’ll have no trouble gathering what you need.

• Milk: It’s the base that softens the bread while adding creaminess to the custard.
• Unsalted butter: Essential for richness both in the pudding and the whiskey sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the spices and whiskey with just the right sweetness.
• Eggs: They bind everything to that custardy texture we crave.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring out the cozy Irish vibe.
• Irish whiskey: The star ingredient for an authentic flavor punch.
• Day-old French bread: Stale bread soaks up the custard without turning soggy — perfect texture.
• Raisins: Little bursts of chewy sweetness throughout the pudding.
• Whipped cream spray: An easy way to add a creamy, airy finish.
• Brown sugar (for sauce): Gives the sauce its deep caramel notes.
• Heavy whipping cream: For the sauce’s velvety smooth consistency.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often play around with what goes in — whether adding more whiskey for a bolder flavor or tossing in nuts or chocolate chips for an extra texture twist.

• Raisin substitute: I’ve swapped raisins for dried cranberries when I wanted a tart contrast, and it worked wonderfully.
• Whiskey alternative: If you want a milder taste, try using Irish cream liqueur instead of straight whiskey for a creamier note.
• Spices: Sometimes I throw in a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to deepen the warm spice profile.
• Dairy-free option: For a dairy-free spin, coconut milk works well, but remember the texture shifts slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Cubes Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and spraying your ramekins with non-stick spray — this avoids any stubborn sticking later. Then, take your day-old French bread and slice it into 1-inch cubes with a bread knife. Using day-old bread is key here because it soaks up the custard much better without turning mushy. Set those cubes aside in a large bowl, ready for the soaking magic.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a small saucepan, gently melt the milk and butter over medium heat until warm and smooth—no need to boil, just warm enough to combine well. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, Irish whiskey, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl until the sugar starts dissolving. Pour this egg-and-spice mix over your bread cubes and stir to coat evenly. Then add your warm milk and butter mixture, mixing everything until the bread soaks in all the flavors. Don’t forget the raisins—they add lovely pops of sweetness that cut through the richness beautifully.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Divide your soaked bread pudding mixture evenly into the ramekins placed on a baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Don’t be concerned if the pudding sinks a little as it cools — that’s perfectly normal and just means it’s wonderfully moist inside. Patience here really pays off, so give it time to cool completely before moving on to the sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up That Lush Irish Whiskey Sauce

While your bread pudding rests, make the whiskey sauce. Combine brown sugar, butter, Irish whiskey, and heavy cream in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The aroma will have you drooling! Once ready, drizzle generously over your pudding, add some extra raisins on top, and a spray of whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like topping this bread pudding with a few extra raisins for that little burst of sweetness, plus a generous swirl of whipped cream spray that adds lightness and creaminess against the rich pudding and sauce. Sometimes, a sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a lovely aroma and a pretty finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is a dessert star, but if I’m serving it after dinner, I often pair it with a simple cup of Irish breakfast tea or a glass of Irish stout beer for a full-on cultural embrace. For brunch gatherings, fresh seasonal fruit works wonderfully alongside to lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pudding in individual ramekins garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar to add elegance. It also looks fantastic layered in a clear glass trifle bowl with alternating whipped cream for a visually stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Irish bread pudding covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days and honestly tastes even better once the flavors have had a chance to meld overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pudding a few times by wrapping individual ramekins in foil and placing them in freezer bags. When defrosted in the fridge overnight and reheated gently, it maintains its creamy texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a warm oven at about 300°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it briefly, but keep the sauce on the side until warm and ready to drizzle to avoid it separating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s both nostalgic and surprisingly simple. It’s the kind of dessert that turns ordinary ingredients into something memorable and deeply comforting, perfect for sharing with family and friends. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—remember, a little patience with the custard soaking and the whiskey sauce just right, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite for you too.

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