Bourbon Sauce

This sweet and boozy bourbon sauce was made to top bread pudding, but would be delicious served over ice cream or other desserts.

Bourbon sauce being spooned over bread pudding
Photo:

Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Hands On Time:
18 mins
Total Time:
18 mins
Yield:
1 1/2 cups

This sweet Bourbon sauce has an edge of boozy bite as the bourbon doesn't burn off completely during cooking. It pairs beautifully with our Creole bread pudding, but it would be equally delicious drizzled over angel food cake, pound cake, or grilled fruit.

Editor's Note: This recipe was contributed by Leah Chase; the recipe tips were written by Katie Rosenhouse.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. butter

  • 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whipping cream

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 Tbsp. bourbon

  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions

  1. Melt butter and add flour:

    Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes.

    stirring flour into melted butter

    Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

  2. Add cream and sugar:

    Stir in cream and sugar; cook, whisking constantly, 3 minutes or until thickened.

    stirring cream into sauce

    Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

  3. Add remaining ingredients:

    Stir in bourbon, vanilla, and nutmeg; cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

    sprinkling nutmeg into sauce

    Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Ingredients for Bourbon Sauce

Just seven ingredients are needed to prepare this sauce, and you probably already have most of them on hand. To make bourbon sauce, you'll need:

  • Butter: For richness and a smooth, velvety texture.
  • All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent.
  • Whipping cream: Adds a luscious, creamy texture to balance the bold bourbon flavor.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and helps give it body.
  • Bourbon: The star ingredient, adding warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness.
  • Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors.
  • Ground nutmeg: For a hint of warmth and spice.
ingredients for Bourbon Sauce - Southern Living

Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

How To Store Bourbon Sauce

To get ahead of your preparations, this sauce can even be made in advance. Make as directed, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to use.

bourbon sauce over creole bread pudding

Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Ways To Use Bourbon Sauce

This bourbon sauce is rich and delicious, and can be used as a boozy complement to a variety of dishes. For a decadent, adults-only brunch, drizzle over pancakes or waffles, or use to soak or serve over French toast. You can also spoon leftovers over ice cream, dessert bars, apple pie, baked apples, fruit crisps, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there alcohol in bourbon sauce?

    The bourbon in this sauce is not cooked off, so there is alcohol present.

  • Can I use a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?

    Yes, if preferred you can swap the bourbon for apple cider, caramel syrup, or an extra splash of vanilla extract for a similar depth.

  • Does bourbon sauce have a strong bourbon flavor?

    The flavor of this sauce is pleasantly subtle and rich, but you can increase or decrease the amount of bourbon as desired. Note that this may alter the texture of the sauce slightly.

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