There’s something irresistibly cozy about warm bread pudding on a chilly evening—and when you add juicy peaches and a rich bourbon sauce? Pure heaven.

I created this Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce to be a comforting, slightly indulgent dessert perfect for gatherings, holiday meals, or just a treat-yourself moment.

The custardy center, golden crust, sweet fruit, and bold sauce come together in a way that feels both rustic and refined.

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Highlights

This dessert is like a warm hug in a bowl. Cubed bread soaks up a cinnamon-vanilla custard while diced peaches bring juicy bursts of fruitiness.

Once baked, it’s finished with a buttery bourbon caramel sauce that elevates the whole dish to comfort food royalty.

  • Cozy, comforting dessert with southern charm
    .
  • Features fresh peaches and warm spices
    .
  • Buttery homemade bourbon caramel sauce
    .
  • Great make-ahead or holiday dessert
    .
  • Soft, custardy center with golden crust

Ingredient Notes

  • Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads are slightly sweet and perfect for soaking up the custard without turning mushy.
    .
  • Fresh Peaches: Juicy, ripe peaches bring a bright, fruity note. You can substitute frozen (thawed and drained) if needed.
    .
  • Eggs & Whole Milk: These create a rich, creamy custard base to soak the bread.
    .
  • Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Add depth and a warm flavor to both the pudding and sauce.
    .
  • Bourbon: Just a couple of tablespoons gives the sauce a bold, adult flavor. Can substitute with vanilla if desired.
    .
  • Butter: Adds richness to both the custard and the caramel sauce.

How to Make My Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

  1. Prep the Bread: Cut the brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly, or toast lightly in the oven.
    .
  2. Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add a pinch of salt.
    .
  3. Assemble the Pudding: Layer bread cubes and diced peaches in a greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently so all the bread is soaked.
    .
  4. Soak and Bake: Let sit for 20–30 minutes to absorb. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until puffed and golden on top.
    .
  5. Make the Bourbon Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and cream, then cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon.
    .
  6. Serve: Spoon warm bread pudding into bowls and drizzle with bourbon sauce.

Warm and Comforting Dessert

Peach bread pudding is a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.

With its golden brown top and chunks of diced fresh peaches, this dessert is not only visually appealing but also a feast for the senses.

The combination of cubed brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard made from eggs, whole milk, and brown sugar creates a rich texture that melts in your mouth.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

What sets this peach bread pudding apart is the addition of bourbon, which enhances the overall flavor profile.

The warm notes of vanilla extract and ground cinnamon mingle beautifully with the sweetness of the peaches, creating a harmonious blend that is hard to resist.

Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the soft bread and the juicy fruit, making it a memorable dessert for any occasion.

Simple Yet Elegant Preparation

Preparing this dish is straightforward, requiring only a few basic ingredients.

Start by gathering your cubed brioche or challah bread, diced fresh peaches, and the essential components: eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and heavy cream.

The process involves mixing the custard ingredients and allowing the bread to soak, ensuring every piece is infused with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, the peach bread pudding can be served warm, drizzled with a rich bourbon sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

A sprig of mint adds a touch of freshness, enhancing the presentation and flavor.

Pairing this dessert with a glass of bourbon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home.

  • Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
    .
  • Pair with strong coffee or an after-dinner bourbon for grown-up gatherings.
    .
  • Sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted almonds for crunch.

Creating a Cozy Atmosphere

The rustic bowl and wooden table setting contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

The warm hues of the bread pudding and the rich bourbon sauce create a comforting visual that invites everyone to indulge.

This dessert not only satisfies the palate but also brings people together, making it a cherished addition to any meal.

Nutrition and Serving Size

This peach bread pudding serves 6 to 8 people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings.

Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates that makes it a satisfying treat.

Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast option, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Tips for the Best Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce

Use slightly stale bread to help soak up more custard without turning mushy. Letting the bread soak before baking gives the custard time to fully absorb, creating that signature creamy interior.

If using frozen peaches, drain off excess liquid to avoid watering down the custard. The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.

Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon
Pin
Print

Peach Bread Pudding with Bourbon

Recipe by JoanneCourse: DessertCuisine: Southern-inspired comfort foodDifficulty: Moderate
Serving size

1

slice
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories per serving

390

kcal

This peach bread pudding features layers of cubed brioche or challah bread soaked in a creamy custard made with eggs, whole milk, and brown sugar, combined with fresh peaches. The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor, making this dish a standout dessert. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving 6 to 8 people.

Ingredients

  • For the Bread Pudding:

  • 6 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed

  • 2 cups diced fresh peaches (peeled and pitted)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing the pan

  • For the Bourbon Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar

  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

Directions

  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  • Spread cubed bread and peaches evenly in the dish.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Pour custard evenly over the bread and peaches. Gently press down with a spatula.
  • Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to absorb. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes or until golden and set.
  • While baking, melt butter for the sauce in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in bourbon.
  • Serve warm bread pudding with bourbon sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

  • You can use canned peaches (drained) in place of fresh peaches if necessary.
  • For a firmer texture, reduce milk to 1 ½ cups.
  • Bourbon-free version: simply use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in place of the alcohol.

Storage & Warming Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven, covered, for 10–15 minutes.

Sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently.