Irish Whiskey and Apple Bread Pudding
A comforting and decadent dessert featuring cubes of stale bread soaked in a rich custard infused with Irish whiskey, sweet apples, and warm spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Stale Irish soda bread or brioche(cut into 2cm cubes)
- 500 ml Milk
- 250 ml Heavy cream
- 4 large Eggs
- 100 g Granulated sugar
- 60 ml Irish whiskey
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 medium Apples(peeled, cored, and diced)
- 30 g Butter(for sautéing apples)
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Lightly butter a 2-liter baking dish.
💡 Tip: Using stale bread is key for absorbing the custard without becoming mushy. - 2
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, Irish whiskey, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. - 4
Add the bread cubes to the custard mixture and gently press them down to ensure they are fully submerged. Let stand for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid.
- 5
Gently fold in the sautéed apples.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break up the bread too much. - 6
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. You can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if desired.
💡 Tip: For an even richer top, you can add a few small cubes of butter on top before baking. - 7
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- 8
Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, perhaps with a drizzle of extra whiskey sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
💡 Tip: Allowing it to rest helps it set further.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you don't have Irish whiskey, a good quality blended whiskey can be substituted.
- ✓For a non-alcoholic version, omit the whiskey and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of apple cider.
- ✓This pudding is excellent made a day in advance and gently reheated.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add raisins or sultanas to the apple mixture.
- Use pears instead of apples.
- Serve with a whiskey caramel sauce.