Irish Croissant Bread Pudding with Whiskey-Infused Raisins – A Decadent and Creamy Dessert

If you’re looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that’s brimming with flavors of creamy custard, flaky croissants, and a touch of Irish whiskey, this Irish Croissant Bread Pudding is your go-to. Soft and buttery croissants are soaked in a heavenly custard mixture, while plump raisins infused with whiskey add an extra layer of richness and warmth to every bite. Topped with a luscious brown sugar sauce, this bread pudding is perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a luxurious dessert experience.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Irish Croissant Bread Pudding

This recipe takes traditional bread pudding to the next level with the addition of buttery croissants and the rich flavors of Irish whiskey. Bread pudding is a time-honored dessert, and this version gives it a sophisticated twist with ingredients that make it both comforting and extravagant. The whiskey-soaked raisins not only add a subtle boozy depth but also complement the sweetness of the brown sugar sauce, while the flaky texture of the croissants adds a unique and satisfying bite.

Why You’ll Love Making and Eating Irish Croissant Bread Pudding

This bread pudding is everything you could want in a dessert: it's easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and packs a flavorful punch. The croissants create a flaky and airy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy egg mixture, while the whiskey adds warmth and depth. The brown sugar sauce drizzled over the top is rich and caramel-like, making each bite decadent and irresistible. Plus, it’s a dessert you can prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for dinner parties or holiday celebrations.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 7g
• Sugar: 31g
• Fiber: 1g

This dessert is decadent and perfect for indulging when you’re looking to treat yourself or your guests to something extra special!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve Irish Croissant Bread Pudding warm with a generous drizzle of the brown sugar sauce and a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a glass of Irish coffee or a hot cup of tea for a cozy and satisfying dessert experience. For extra indulgence, you can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will melt into the warm bread pudding for an ultra-luxurious finish.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For the best results, store the sauce separately and reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving it over the pudding.

Fun Fact: The History of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding has its roots in medieval times when resourceful cooks would use stale bread to create a delicious dessert by soaking it in a mixture of milk and eggs. Over time, the dish has evolved, with different countries putting their own twist on the basic recipe. This Irish version with whiskey-soaked raisins gives a nod to the Emerald Isle’s love for rich, warming flavors!

Cooking Tips

• Use Day-Old Croissants: Slightly stale croissants will soak up the custard better and help create a more cohesive texture for the bread pudding.
• Soak the Raisins Well: Allow the raisins to fully absorb the whiskey for at least 10 minutes to ensure they become plump and flavorful.
• Don't Skip the Sauce: The brown sugar sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness that takes this dessert over the top, so be sure to drizzle it generously!

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Lover's Twist: Add some chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture before baking for an even more indulgent treat.
• Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts along with the raisins for a bit of crunch and nuttiness.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture for a fresh and tangy flavor that complements the richness of the pudding.

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Irish Croissant Bread Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 croissants (tear each croissant into 4-5 pieces)
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup Jameson Whiskey
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 6-cup baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Soak the raisins: In a small bowl, combine the raisins and whiskey. Cover the bowl and let the raisins soak for about 10 minutes until they become plump and soft. Do not drain the whiskey from the raisins—set them aside.
3. Assemble the bread pudding: Tear the croissants into pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the soaked raisins throughout the croissants.
4. Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the croissants, ensuring that all pieces are moistened.
5. Add remaining raisins: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of raisins on top of the bread pudding. Let the dish sit for 25 minutes to allow the croissants to absorb the custard mixture.
6. Bake the bread pudding: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of the pudding and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. The pudding is done when a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
7. Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and whipping cream. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Once the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency, remove from heat.
8. Serve and enjoy: Pour the warm brown sugar sauce over the bread pudding and garnish with whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Irish Croissant Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, with its buttery croissants, rich custard, and whiskey-soaked raisins. The warm brown sugar sauce adds a caramel-like sweetness that ties everything together, making each bite absolutely heavenly. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a casual dinner with friends, this dessert is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds!