Take a culinary journey through the heart of Kentucky with the legendary Woodford Pudding. This beloved Southern dessert, originating in the Bluegrass State, combines rich flavors of bourbon, pecans, and dried fruit wrapped in a luscious custard. With roots dating back to the nineteenth century, this timeless delight exemplifies Kentucky’s heritage and culinary prowess. Follow this recipe to bring the magic of Kentucky Woodford Pudding to your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or cherries)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or an equivalent-sized baking pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Bourbon:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Stir in the bourbon until incorporated into the mixture.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans and Dried Fruit:
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans and dried fruit until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Pudding:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Bourbon Sauce:
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the bourbon sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the bourbon, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, cooking until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Serve:
- Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the Kentucky Woodford Pudding warm, drizzled with the bourbon sauce.
- Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Kentucky Woodford Pudding is a traditional Southern dessert that embodies Kentucky’s culinary heritage. With its decadent flavors and rich history, this time-honored delicacy will enchant your taste buds and transport you to the rolling hills of Kentucky. So gather your ingredients, add a splash of bourbon, and embark on a culinary adventure with this delectable treat that honors Kentucky’s traditions.