🍞 Bourbon-Soaked Bliss: A Texas-Inspired Bread Pudding Recipe That Warms the Soul
A Sweet Story from the Ranch Kitchen
Some recipes just feel like home. On cool Texas evenings, when the Hill Country breeze rolls in and family gathers ‘round the table, nothing says comfort quite like a warm, custardy bread pudding. This week at Lone Star Olive Ranch, we’re sharing one of our all-time favorites: Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Soaked Raisins and a silky Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey Sauce.
This recipe captures the spirit of Southern hospitality and pairs beautifully with the artisan pantry goods we’ve been crafting on our Texas family farm. It’s rich, rustic, and just the kind of dessert that reminds you why farm-to-table cooking never goes out of style.
Why This Recipe Works in a Texas Kitchen
Bourbon-soaked raisins bring a deep, oaky sweetness.
A custard base with cream and farm-fresh eggs makes it lush and satisfying.
The bourbon whiskey sauce ties it all together with a warm, velvety finish.
And here’s the secret: while the recipe doesn’t call for it, we often enjoy serving it alongside Texas olives, pickled vegetables, or even a spoonful of our small batch jams. It might sound surprising, but that balance of sweet and savory is what makes this dish fit right into a Southern pantry spread.
The Recipe: Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Soaked Raisins & Kentucky Bourbon Sauce
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
1 loaf French bread or brioche (day-old, cut into cubes)
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
5 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (soaked in bourbon for 2 hours)
1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Bourbon Sauce:
½ cup butter (melted)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup Kentucky bourbon whiskey
Method
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Soak bread cubes in milk until absorbed.
Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and spice. Add to bread mixture.
Stir in bourbon-soaked raisins.
Butter a 9x13 pan. Pour mixture in and bake 35–45 minutes.
For sauce: cook butter, sugar, and egg gently until thick. Remove from heat, whisk in bourbon.
Serve warm with sauce poured generously over pudding.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Don’t let the bourbon sauce boil—keep it smooth and creamy!
Serving Ideas from Lone Star Olive Ranch
This bread pudding shines at holiday tables, backyard gatherings, and casual suppers, but you can also dress it up with:
A dollop of Texas peach butter or F.R.O.G Jam
A sprinkle of chopped candied pecans
A side of pickled quail eggs for a quirky Texas appetizer pairing
A few gourmet stuffed olives on a charcuterie board to balance the sweetness
Because at Lone Star Olive Ranch, we believe every meal tells a story—especially when it includes Texas olive oil, pickles, jams, and olives straight from our ranch.
Perfect for Entertaining & Gifting
Hosting friends? Pair this bread pudding with a charcuterie board full of cocktail garnishes, pickled okra, and stuffed olives. Sending love across the miles? Tuck the recipe card into one of our Texas gourmet gift baskets for a thoughtful touch.
It’s these small moments of sharing that keep traditions alive—and nothing feels more like the soul of Texas than food made with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next day. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
2. What bread works best?
Brioche or French bread is ideal, but any sturdy loaf will work. Day-old bread absorbs custard best.
3. Can I use Texas whiskey instead of Kentucky bourbon?
Absolutely. We love experimenting with local Texas spirits—it gives the recipe a true Lone Star twist.
4. What’s a good savory pairing?
Try serving with gourmet stuffed olives or pickled asparagus for a sweet-savory balance.
5. Do you sell items for charcuterie boards?
Yes! Explore our stuffed olives, pickled vegetables, jams, and Texas olives—all perfect for entertaining.
6. Where can I buy your products?
You can shop directly from our online pantry at Lone Star Olive Ranch.
Conclusion: A Texas Twist on a Southern Classic
This Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Soaked Raisins isn’t just a dessert—it’s a story of heritage, comfort, and community. At Lone Star Olive Ranch, we’re proud to bring flavors from our Texas family farm to your table, whether it’s through small batch jams, gourmet stuffed olives, or pantry staples made in Texas.
So go ahead—pour yourself a cup of coffee, serve a slice of this pudding, and savor a little taste of Southern tradition with a Texas heart.