This Irish Bread Pudding is the kind of soul warming dessert that brings comfort with every spoonful. Cubes of brioche soak up a sweet, spiced custard, get studded with whiskey-soaked raisins, and are baked until puffed and golden. But the true star is the homemade whiskey caramel sauce rich, buttery, and deeply flavorful.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a nostalgic dessert, this bread pudding is a showstopper. The flavors are rich but balanced, and the textures are soft yet toasty. Served warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is an old-fashioned treat you’ll want to revisit often.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
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1 cup raisins
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2 ounces Jameson Irish whiskey
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16 ounces brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
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6 large eggs
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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5 cups milk
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Whiskey Sauce:
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup water
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3/4 cup heavy cream (warmed)
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1/4 cup salted butter
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2–3 tablespoons Jameson Irish whiskey
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside.
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In a small bowl, combine the raisins and whiskey; let soak.
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Spread bread cubes on a rimmed baking sheet and toast lightly in the oven for 10 minutes. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
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Transfer toasted bread cubes to the prepared baking dish.
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Pour the egg mixture over the bread, then add the raisins and whiskey.
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Gently toss to coat, pressing the bread into the custard. Let sit for 15 minutes.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the pudding is puffed and lightly browned, and the custard is set.
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To make the sauce, heat the sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat until dissolved. Increase heat and boil without stirring until caramelized (about 15–20 minutes).
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In a separate pan, warm the cream.
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Carefully whisk warm cream and butter into the caramel. Cook for 1–2 minutes more.
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Remove from heat, stir in whiskey, and adjust with additional cream if needed.
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Serve warm bread pudding drizzled with caramel sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 362 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Irish Bread Pudding: A Comforting Classic with Deep Cultural Roots
When it comes to comfort food that transcends generations, Irish Bread Pudding is a dessert that continues to hold a cherished place at family tables. Rustic yet elegant, humble yet deeply satisfying, it’s the kind of dessert that evokes a sense of nostalgia whether you grew up with it or are only now discovering its charm.
This traditional pudding originated as a way to reduce food waste an ingenious and delicious solution to use up stale bread. But over time, it has evolved into something far more celebratory. With the addition of whiskey-soaked raisins, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a luscious whiskey caramel sauce, the dish has taken on a new dimension of richness and flavor that feels indulgent while still rooted in simplicity.
Let’s dive into what makes this dessert special, why it remains relevant, and how you can turn it into a signature treat for holidays or quiet nights alike.
A Brief History of Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has existed in various forms across cultures for centuries. Ancient frugal cooks across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East created similar concoctions soaking stale bread in milk and eggs, then baking it into something new and nourishing. But in Ireland, it became something more an affordable, warming dish that would take center stage during colder months or serve as the sweet punctuation to a Sunday roast.
As with many Irish dishes, practicality and comfort were guiding principles. The Irish version of bread pudding traditionally included dried fruits like currants or raisins, a pinch of nutmeg, and hearty loaves like soda bread or brioche. With time and the incorporation of locally beloved ingredients like Irish whiskey, the recipe gained a stronger cultural identity.
Flavors That Speak of Home
One bite into Irish Bread Pudding and you’ll understand why it’s more than the sum of its parts. The texture is custardy and soft, with slightly crisp edges from the toasted bread. The flavor? A balanced medley of warm vanilla, sweet dried fruits, subtle spice, and the unmistakable richness of cream and eggs.
And then there’s the whiskey.
Whether you’re using Jameson, Bushmills, or another favorite Irish brand, the whiskey adds a subtle smokiness and complexity that elevates the dish. Soaking the raisins in whiskey before mixing them into the pudding not only plumps them up but infuses them with character bringing both brightness and depth to each bite.
Pair all of that with a silky caramel sauce infused with yet more whiskey, and you’ve got a dessert that feels indulgent without being fussy.
Ideal for Celebrations (But Not Just St. Patrick’s Day)
It’s easy to associate Irish Bread Pudding with St. Patrick’s Day, and for good reason. It’s a traditional dessert that speaks to Irish heritage, and it pairs beautifully with other Irish staples like corned beef, shepherd’s pie, or Guinness stew.
But its appeal isn’t limited to just one day a year.
This dish is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s equally at home at a holiday gathering, a cozy winter dinner, or even a weekend brunch. And because it can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature, it’s perfect for entertaining. A drizzle of warm sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream make it shine on any occasion.
Variations and Customizations
Though the classic version made with brioche or challah bread, raisins, and whiskey is unbeatable, Irish Bread Pudding is incredibly adaptable to your pantry and palate.
Bread Choices
While brioche offers a buttery richness and challah gives a slightly eggy depth, you can easily substitute French bread, soda bread, or even croissants for a different twist. Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without falling apart.
Fruit and Nut Additions
Raisins are traditional, but golden raisins, dried cherries, apricots, or cranberries can add beautiful pops of flavor and color. For texture, consider folding in chopped pecans or walnuts.
Alcohol-Free Options
Not a fan of whiskey or cooking for kids? Replace the whiskey with orange juice, apple cider, or even strong black tea to soak the fruit. You’ll still get complexity without the booze.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Versions
Substitute plant-based milk and butter for a dairy-free version. You can even find egg substitutes that work well in baked custards, although the texture might be slightly different. The warm spices and fruit still shine through beautifully.
Flavor Enhancements
A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can complement the nutmeg and cinnamon. And if you want to go even more decadent, a layer of dark chocolate chunks between the bread cubes turns this classic into a chocolate lovers’ dream.
How to Serve It Right
One of the best things about Irish Bread Pudding is its versatility when it comes to serving.
For a rustic finish, simply dust with powdered sugar and serve warm. For something more elegant, slice and plate it with a generous spoonful of warm caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream. The contrast between warm pudding and cold creaminess is divine.
Whipped cream, crème fraîche, or a spoonful of Irish cream liqueur-spiked sauce also pair beautifully. Add a cup of strong coffee or even an Irish coffee on the side, and you’ve got a memorable ending to any meal.
For breakfast or brunch, serve it without the sauce and pair it with yogurt and fresh fruit. It’s unexpected and feels like a treat, but it still fits in on the breakfast table.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Irish Bread Pudding holds up surprisingly well. In fact, some would argue it’s even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld.
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently in the oven at a low temperature. If you’ve made the caramel sauce separately, warm it gently in a saucepan or the microwave before drizzling.
To make ahead for a gathering, you can assemble the pudding (minus baking) the night before and store it in the fridge. Just let it come to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before popping it into the oven.
Why You Should Make This Dessert
At its core, Irish Bread Pudding is a story of transformation taking something simple and overlooked, like stale bread, and turning it into something exceptional. That alone makes it special. But add the layers of spice, the tender custard, the whiskey-soaked fruit, and the golden caramel drizzle, and you’ve got something that transcends tradition.
It’s a dessert that’s both budget-friendly and luxurious. One that connects you to generations past while still feeling relevant in today’s kitchens. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or simply in spirit for the day, this dish invites you to slow down, gather around the table, and savor every warm, comforting bite.
Conclusion:
Irish Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert it’s a symbol of comfort, heritage, and culinary creativity. With its rich custard base, beautifully spiced flavor profile, and touch of Irish whiskey, it offers a soulful experience that resonates with food lovers of all kinds.
Serve it on a holiday, bake it for a dinner party, or enjoy it solo on a quiet evening with a glass of Irish cream. However you approach it, this is a dish that never disappoints. Its elegance lies in its simplicity, and its power lies in the joy it brings to those who share it.