Name: Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: 6 cups babka bread, cubed; 4 large eggs; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp bourbon; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that delivers on richness, warmth, and show-stopping flavor, this Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe will quickly become your new go-to indulgence. The tender, buttery swirls of babka transform into a custardy delight when baked, while the luscious brown butter bourbon sauce adds a deep, nutty sweetness with a gentle kick that perfectly complements every bite. Whether you’re making it for cozy family gatherings or impressing guests, this dessert is a heavenly treat that celebrates the magic of comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collage of four images showing the steps to prepare a dish in a white marbled setting. In the first image, a woman's hand pours milk from a clear glass measuring cup into a small saucepan already containing cinnamon and other ingredients. In the second image, the woman's hand adds beaten egg from a small glass bowl into the saucepan while whisking its contents. The third image shows the woman pouring the cooked mixture from the saucepan over a white oval baking dish filled with golden brown bread chunks. The fourth image is a close-up of the white oval dish filled with bread cubes soaked in the liquid mixture, ready for baking, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Although this Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe may sound intricate, it actually relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role, from the babka’s buttery sweetness to the creamy custard that envelops it, and finally the sauce that marries everything in perfect harmony.

Babka bread, cubed: Choose your favorite chocolate or cinnamon babka for rich flavor and texture in every bite.
Eggs: The binding agent that creates the custard, giving the pudding its silky, tender base.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to both the custard and sauce with a velvety finish.
Milk: Lightens the custard so it’s rich but not overly dense.
Brown sugar: Provides depth and caramel notes in the custard and sauce for balanced sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic essence.
Ground cinnamon: A cozy spice that lifts and complements the babka’s swirled fillings.
Unsalted butter: Used in the sauce to develop that nutty brown butter character without additional saltiness.
Bourbon: Adds complexity and a subtle boozy warmth to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the dessert.

How to Make Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Babka Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish generously to prevent sticking, then scatter the cubed babka evenly inside. Using babka, whether chocolate or cinnamon, sets a decadent tone right from the start because of its distinct swirls and buttery crumb.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. This custard blend is what gently soaks into the babka, transforming it into a delightfully soft and flavorful pudding after baking.

Step 3: Combine Custard and Babka

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the babka cubes in the baking dish. Press down gently to make sure the custard fully soaks into every piece. Let it rest for about 15 minutes so the babka absorbs all the beautiful custardy goodness, which is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven without a cover and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the pudding feels set and lightly golden on top. The result is a warm, slightly custardy, and deeply flavorful dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every forkful.

Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce

While the pudding bakes, start on the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it reaches a rich, nutty brown color — watch carefully to avoid burning. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and simmering until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract, creating a luxurious sauce that perfectly crowns the dessert.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Once the bread pudding is out of the oven, serve it warm with generous drizzles of the brown butter bourbon sauce. This final touch turns a wonderful dessert into an unforgettable experience worthy of any celebration or cozy night in.

How to Serve Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also adds a cooling, creamy element that balances the warm sauce.

Side Dishes

This babka bread pudding shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of robust coffee or a dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling. For a brunch gathering, offer it alongside fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad to brighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant touch that’s perfect for dinner parties. You can also create parfait layers by alternating babka pudding and sauce with whipped cream in clear glasses, turning this classic dessert into a beautiful visual centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover babka bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day, just be sure to reheat gently to avoid drying out the custard.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread pudding after baking by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes or gently warm larger portions in a low oven (about 150°C / 300°F) until heated through. Reheat the brown butter bourbon sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of babka?

Absolutely! While babka adds a unique richness, brioche or challah bread also work well as bases for bread pudding if you want a similar buttery texture with a slightly different flavor.

Is it necessary to use bourbon in the sauce?

The bourbon adds wonderful depth and warmth, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, you can substitute with vanilla extract and a splash of apple cider or simply omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The edges should be set and golden, and the center should be just firm to the touch without being liquidy. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, maybe with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The brown butter bourbon sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before serving, which makes your dessert prep on event day much easier.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert for a crowd?

Bake the pudding in a large casserole dish and serve buffet-style with the sauce warmed and poured individually or placed in a gravy boat. This allows everyone to customize their portions and garnishes.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Babka Bread Pudding with Brown Butter Bourbon Sauce Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels both special and comforting at the same time. The richness of the babka, the silky custard, and the indulgent sauce come together to create an experience that will have you reaching for seconds and sharing it with loved ones over and over again.