Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

This delightful Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a luscious Butter Rum Sauce, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Sandra

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:26:02.333Z

This Bread Pudding is a cherished family recipe that has been passed down for generations. The rich, custardy texture combined with the warm flavors of butter and rum creates a memorable dessert that everyone will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, custardy texture that warms your soul
  • Decadent butter rum sauce that elevates every bite
  • Perfect for using up leftover bread and making something extraordinary

The Comfort of Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is often considered a quintessential comfort food, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and warm kitchens. This dessert transforms humble ingredients into a rich, custardy delight that is both satisfying and heartwarming. The soft, pillowy texture of the pudding contrasts beautifully with the sweet, warm notes of the Butter Rum Sauce, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Not only is bread pudding delicious, but it also provides an innovative way to reduce food waste. Using day-old bread allows you to create a dessert that is both economical and indulgent. This recipe celebrates the idea of transforming leftover bread into a remarkable dessert, ensuring that nothing goes to waste while delighting your taste buds.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

To achieve the best texture in your bread pudding, it’s crucial to allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture adequately. Letting it sit for around 15 minutes ensures that every cube absorbs the rich flavors of the milk, cream, and eggs. This step is vital for creating that luxurious, custardy base that defines a great bread pudding.

When selecting bread for this recipe, opt for a variety that will hold up well during the soaking process. Brioche, challah, or even a crusty French bread are excellent choices. Each type brings its unique flavor and texture to the dish, enhancing the overall experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different breads to find your favorite combination.

Serving Suggestions

Bread pudding is incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings and accompaniments. While the Butter Rum Sauce is a delicious choice, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. The contrast between warm pudding and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience that you won’t want to miss.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top before serving. This adds an appealing visual element as well as a textural contrast that elevates each bite. Feel free to customize your presentation to make it even more inviting for your guests.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

  • 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

For the Butter Rum Sauce

  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup of dark rum
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the mixture, gently folding to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Bake the Pudding

Pour the bread mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Make the Butter Rum Sauce

While the pudding is baking, prepare the butter rum sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.

Remove from heat and stir in the rum and vanilla extract.

Serve

Once the pudding is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over each serving for an indulgent finish.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat, or pop the entire dish back in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or for serving at gatherings.

Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly after refrigeration, but the flavors will still be delicious. If you want to revive the original moisture, you can drizzle a little milk over the pudding before reheating.

Variations to Try

While the classic bread pudding with Butter Rum Sauce is simply irresistible, there are countless variations you can explore. For instance, you can incorporate different fruits such as apples, pears, or berries to add a fruity twist. Alternatively, consider adding a splash of your favorite liqueur to the custard mixture for an adult-friendly version.

Experimenting with spices can also yield delightful results—try adding nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for a unique flavor profile. Each variation allows you to put your personal stamp on this timeless dessert, making it your own.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

While day-old bread is preferred for absorbing the custard, you can use fresh bread; just let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day before serving.

→ What can I substitute for dark rum?

You can use any other type of rum or even bourbon for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

This delightful Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a luscious Butter Rum Sauce, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Sandra

Recipe Type: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Bread Pudding

  1. 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
  2. 2 cups of milk
  3. 1 cup of heavy cream
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
  6. 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  7. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  8. 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  9. 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)

For the Butter Rum Sauce

  1. 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup of brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  4. 1/4 cup of dark rum
  5. 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the mixture, gently folding to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 02

Pour the bread mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Step 03

While the pudding is baking, prepare the butter rum sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the rum and vanilla extract.

Step 04

Once the pudding is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over each serving for an indulgent finish.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g