Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of this Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-02T19:46:02.628Z

This Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce is a delightful dessert that brings together the richness of bread pudding with a decadent rum-infused sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Warm, custardy texture that feels like a hug in dessert form
  • Rich butter rum sauce that adds a deep, sweet flavor
  • Easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time

The Perfect Comfort Dessert

Bread pudding is often considered the ultimate comfort food, and for good reason. Its warm, custardy texture feels like a hug in dessert form. Each bite is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. This recipe elevates the traditional bread pudding with the addition of a rich butter rum sauce, creating a decadent treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.

What sets this bread pudding apart is its versatility. You can use any type of day-old bread you have on hand—whether it's brioche, challah, or even a basic loaf. This flexibility allows you to customize the dessert according to your taste preferences or what you have available. Plus, with the option to add raisins or other dried fruits, you can easily put your own spin on this classic recipe.

Make Ahead for Convenience

One of the best aspects of this bread pudding recipe is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply cover the mixture and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions, as you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.

Once baked, the bread pudding can also be reheated, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture. Just warm individual portions in the microwave or oven, and drizzle with fresh butter rum sauce for a delightful treat that tastes as good as when it was first made.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant touch, consider serving your bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream alongside the warm butter rum sauce. The coolness of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding, creating a delightful sensory experience. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for added visual appeal.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a side of fresh berries or a berry compote to balance the richness of the dessert. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the bread pudding and adds a burst of freshness that brightens the overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start for the best results.

For the Bread Pudding

  • 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 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

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a delicious bread pudding.

Prepare the Bread Pudding

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the mixture, stirring to combine. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Bake the Pudding

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Butter Rum Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the rum and vanilla.

Serve

  1. Cut the bread pudding into squares and place on serving plates.
  2. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over each serving.

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover bread pudding, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. The bread pudding retains its comforting texture, making it just as enjoyable on day two as it was fresh out of the oven.

For longer storage, consider freezing the bread pudding. Cut it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations in your bread pudding. You could add chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent twist or incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. If you enjoy tropical flavors, consider adding coconut flakes or even diced pineapple for a refreshing change.

Another variation is to infuse the custard mixture with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic experience. You can also swap the dark rum in the sauce for flavored liqueurs, like spiced rum or bourbon, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

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Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, but day-old bread absorbs the custard better and provides a better texture.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bread pudding and store it in the fridge before baking.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version of the sauce?

Yes! You can substitute the rum with additional vanilla extract or a flavored syrup.

→ What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche or challah are excellent choices for a rich flavor, but you can use any type of bread you have on hand.

Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of this Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Sauce, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Sweet Cravings Bakery

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Bread Pudding

  1. 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
  2. 4 large eggs
  3. 2 cups of milk
  4. 1 cup of heavy cream
  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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using) to the mixture, stirring to combine. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 02

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 03

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and stir in the rum and vanilla.

Step 04

  1. Cut the bread pudding into squares and place on serving plates.
  2. Drizzle the warm butter rum sauce over each serving.

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