Save Southern Comfort Chaos Cake Biscuit Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert you pull together when you are craving Southern-style comfort and a little fun all in one sweet bite. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for using up leftover baked goods and making something extraordinary for family gatherings or whenever you want something rich and celebratory.
I started making this as a way to clear out the bread box after a big holiday, and now it is what everyone asks for at birthdays and reunions. My favorite part is watching folks scooping more sauce than pudding.
Ingredients
- Day-old yellow cake cubed: This gives pillowy sweetness and soaks up custard best with sturdy texture Use any plain cake but homemade always tastes richest
- Day-old biscuits torn into pieces: Adds a fluffy buttery layer with hints of salt If you have homemade or even canned biscuits just use what is on hand but make sure they are a day old so they hold together
- Day-old bread cubed: Brioche or challah brings extra richness and soft chew Use the freshest leftovers you can find avoid anything too dense like rye
- Whole milk: Creamy base for custard Whole is best for flavor but two percent can work
- Heavy cream: Adds lushness to the custard and helps bind the pudding
- Large eggs: Crucial for thickening and making the custard rich and sliceable Look for farm-fresh or organic for best results
- Granulated sugar: Brings necessary sweetness to balance the booze and bread
- Vanilla extract: Lifts flavors and adds classic bakery aroma Choose pure over imitation for depth
- Ground cinnamon: Offers warmth and spice The fresher your spice the better
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens everything up
- Southern Comfort or whiskey liqueur: The bold flavor infuser in both the pudding and sauce Go for the real thing or swap with your favorite bourbon
- Pecans roughly chopped: Optional crunch that pairs perfectly with Southern flavors Choose fresh nuts for best flavor and toast lightly if you like
- Raisins or dried cranberries: Optional chewy bits of tart sweetness Pick plump dried fruit and soak in hot water if they seem tough
- Unsalted butter: For starting the sauce and giving richness Always use unsalted to control flavor
- Brown sugar packed: For deep caramel notes in the sauce Make sure it is fresh and not dried out
- Heavy cream: For the sauce’s silkiness Use same fresh cream as in pudding
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease your baking dish thoroughly so the pudding does not stick and bakes evenly Use a generous smear of butter and cover corners well
- Mix the Base:
- Combine all cubed cake torn biscuit and bread in a large mixing bowl Fold in pecans and raisins if using You want everything lightly mixed so there are layers of flavor and texture
- Make the Custard:
- Whisk together milk cream eggs sugar vanilla cinnamon salt and Southern Comfort in another bowl Make sure eggs are fully blended for a smooth pourable custard
- Soak the Bread Mix:
- Pour custard over your bread mixture Mix gently so cubes stay in big chunks Let stand at least 10 minutes Press with a spatula now and then so every bit soaks up custard This makes your pudding creamy not dry
- Transfer and Bake:
- Spoon soaked mixture into the greased baking dish Spread gently and evenly across the dish so it bakes uniformly
- Bake to Perfection:
- Put the dish in the center of your oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes Watch for a deep golden top and only the faintest jiggle in the center That means the custard has set but still creamy underneath
- Make the Southern Comfort Sauce:
- While pudding bakes melt butter in a small saucepan Stir in brown sugar and let dissolve over medium heat Pour in cream and Southern Comfort Cook about three minutes stirring constantly until sauce thickens slightly Take off heat and finish with a small pinch of salt
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the pudding cool just until warm so it is easy to slice Drizzle with plenty of warm sauce right before serving
Save Using leftover cakes or breads always brings back memories of family holidays for me My favorite batch had lemon pound cake as part of the base and now I find myself saving bakery scraps just for another excuse to make it
Storage Tips
Let the pudding cool completely before covering and refrigerating Store in an airtight container and it will keep well for up to four days The sauce can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave If you have leftovers sauce and pudding together just reheat in small portions so it stays creamy
Ingredient Substitutions
No Southern Comfort on hand Try bourbon for a deeper vanilla note or spiced rum for a different warmth If you have leftover sweet rolls coffee cake or even cinnamon rolls swap them for the bread or cake layers Dried cherries or chopped dates offer a twist on raisins
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the pudding into bowls and top with a swirl of whipped cream or even a little vanilla ice cream If serving for brunch a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a handful of fresh berries adds freshness Try it with a strong cup of black coffee for maximum comfort
Cultural and Historical Notes
Bread pudding is classic in the American South because it celebrates not wasting a crumb This recipe takes inspiration from New Orleans kitchens with a boozy edge and buttery sauces Bread pudding recipes have been passed down for generations always evolving with whatever is in the pantry
Seasonal Adaptations
In autumn use spiced apple cake and throw in a few diced apples During spring swap in fresh berries for some of the dried fruit Around the holidays orange zest or a bit of warm nutmeg makes the pudding taste extra festive
Save Bake until golden brown for best texture Day-old baked goods make all the difference Extra sauce can always be reheated for midnight kitchen snacking
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of bread or cake?
Absolutely! Brioche, challah, or any soft, slightly sweet bread works well. Pound cake or sponge cake are great options too.
- → Is it necessary to include alcohol?
Southern Comfort adds depth, but you can substitute with bourbon, spiced rum, or omit it for a family-friendly version; add more cream to compensate.
- → Which mix-ins work best?
Pecans, raisins, or dried cranberries add great flavor and texture, but feel free to use chocolate chips or swap nuts to suit your taste.
- → How do I know when it’s done baking?
Look for a golden top and a set center that springs back lightly when touched; a knife in the center should come out mostly clean.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
Serve warm, generously drizzled with the Southern Comfort sauce. For extra decadence, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- → Can I prepare it ahead?
You can assemble the pudding in advance and bake just before serving, or reheat gently for best texture and flavor.