Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

This Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting textures of bread pudding with a rich and indulgent sauce.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-02T19:58:02.118Z

This recipe for Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce is perfect for utilizing stale bread and creates a warm, cozy dessert that your family will love. The addition of butter rum sauce elevates this classic dish, making it a favorite for special occasions and holiday gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Warm, comforting dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl
  • Rich butter rum sauce adds an indulgent touch
  • Great way to use up leftover bread

A Classic Comfort Food

Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Its origins can be traced back centuries when households sought to minimize waste by transforming stale bread into a delicious treat. This recipe elevates the classic dish, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The blend of textures from the soft, custardy bread and the rich sauce makes every bite a comforting experience.

As you prepare this bread pudding, the aroma of cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. It's not just a dessert; it's a way to create memories and share love. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or served at a festive gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

The Perfect Use for Leftover Bread

This recipe is an ideal solution for leftover bread that might otherwise go to waste. Instead of tossing out those stale slices, transform them into a delectable dessert that everyone will cherish. You can use a variety of breads, from rustic baguettes to sweet brioche, allowing for an array of flavors and textures. Each type of bread adds its unique character to the pudding, making it a versatile and creative culinary project.

Not only does this recipe help reduce food waste, but it also encourages creativity in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, to make this dish your own. The possibilities are endless, making it a fun activity for bakers of all skill levels.

Indulgent Butter Rum Sauce

The crowning glory of this bread pudding is undoubtedly the rich butter rum sauce. This decadent sauce is easy to make and elevates the entire dessert experience. The combination of brown sugar, butter, and dark rum creates a luxurious drizzle that transforms simple bread pudding into an indulgent treat. The warm, velvety sauce complements the soft bread perfectly, making each bite a delight.

As the sauce simmers, the intoxicating aroma of rum fills the air, promising a mouthwatering addition to your dessert. Pour it generously over the warm pudding or serve it on the side for guests to help themselves. It's a delightful touch that ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

  • 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 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

Mix all ingredients well and prepare to bake!

Instructions

Prepare the Bread Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it soak for about 15 minutes until the bread absorbs the liquid.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this mixture into the soaked bread and milk. If using raisins, fold them in now.

Bake the Pudding

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

Make the Butter Rum Sauce

While the pudding is baking, prepare the butter rum sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the dark rum and vanilla extract. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Serve

Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over the top and enjoy!

Serve warm for the best experience.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

To achieve the best texture in your bread pudding, make sure to use stale bread. Fresh bread may not absorb the custard mixture effectively, leading to a less satisfying result. If you don't have stale bread on hand, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature.

Also, consider soaking the bread for a bit longer if you prefer a denser pudding. The longer the bread sits in the milk mixture, the more custard it will absorb, resulting in a richer flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding is delightful on its own, but it can also be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm pudding and sauce, creating a wonderful contrast in temperatures.

For an extra touch of sophistication, consider garnishing your dessert with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These simple additions can elevate your presentation and add layers of flavor that will impress your guests.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. This bread pudding tastes just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or a sweet treat later on.

You can also freeze the bread pudding if you want to store it for a longer period. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?

Yes, but stale bread absorbs the liquid better, giving you a richer pudding.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding a day in advance and bake it the next day.

→ What can I substitute for dark rum?

You can use a non-alcoholic rum extract or omit it for a delicious vanilla sauce.

→ Can I add fruits to this recipe?

Yes, fruits like apples or berries can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

This Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting textures of bread pudding with a rich and indulgent sauce.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Bread Pudding

  1. 6 cups of stale bread, cubed
  2. 2 cups of milk
  3. 1 cup of heavy cream
  4. 4 large eggs
  5. 3/4 cup of sugar
  6. 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  7. 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  8. 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  9. 1 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 bowl, combine the cubed bread and milk. Let it soak for about 15 minutes until the bread absorbs the liquid.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this mixture into the soaked bread and milk. If using raisins, fold them in now.

Step 02

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

Step 03

While the pudding is baking, prepare the butter rum sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the dark rum and vanilla extract. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 04

Once the bread pudding is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over the top and enjoy!

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