Bread Pudding and Hot Butter Rum Sauce – Easy Kitchen Guide

If you’re looking to elevate your bread pudding experience, the key is in the pairings. Bread pudding, with its rich, custardy texture, pairs beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance warm, gooey pudding
  
• Fresh berries for acidity and brightness
  
• Crunchy toasted nuts or a dollop of whipped cream for texture
  
• A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra indulgence
  

Perfect for both casual family gatherings and elegant dinner parties, these accompaniments will impress your guests every time.

Ah, bread pudding. The classic dessert that evokes childhood memories and family gatherings. I still remember my grandmother’s version—warm, comforting, and slathered in a sweet sauce that could brighten anyone’s day. Today, I’m sharing my take featuring a decadent hot butter rum sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I love making dishes that taste good and feel good. This bread pudding celebrates flavors and textures, perfect for holidays, cozy dinners, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.

What Is Bread Pudding with Hot Butter Rum Sauce?

Bread pudding transforms stale bread into a rich, custardy delight made from bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices. The hot butter rum sauce—a luscious mix of melted butter, rum, and cream—adds a sweet, creamy, and slightly boozy topping that perfectly complements the pudding.

You will also like the following Dessert recipes!

• Best Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Copycat Whataburger Dr Pepper Shake
• How to make Baklava 

Why This Recipe Works

1. Simplicity: Pantry staples and straightforward ingredients.
   
2. Flavor Balance: Sweet pudding paired with the rum’s slight bitterness creates harmony.
   
3. Texture Contrast: Crispy top, soft interior, and creamy sauce for indulgence.
   
4. Versatility: Easy to tweak with different breads, nuts, or fruits.
   

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 large pasture-raised eggs
  
• 1 loaf day-old bread (~1 lb)
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
  
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
  
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
  
• ⅓ cup golden raisins
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1 tbsp rum extract (or vanilla extract)
  
• 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
  

For the Hot Buttered Rum Sauce:

• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
  
• ¼ cup rum (Myers’s dark rum recommended)
  
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  
• ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Tear day-old bread into bite-sized cubes. If fresh, leave out or toast lightly for better soaking.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

Whisk eggs and sugar. Gradually stir in heavy cream, evaporated milk, melted butter, cinnamon, rum extract, and orange zest.

Step 3: Combine

Fold bread cubes into custard gently. Add pecans and raisins. Let sit 30 minutes to soak.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch dish, spread mixture evenly. Bake 45-50 minutes until golden and set but slightly wobbly in center.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

Melt butter over medium heat. Stir in rum, sweetened condensed milk, cream, and brown sugar. Heat until smooth and warm (don’t boil).

Step 6: Serve

Cool pudding slightly. Drizzle hot butter rum sauce over servings. Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding

• Use really stale bread for best texture.
  
• Swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips for variation.
  
• Let the mixture rest 30 minutes before baking.
  
• Watch the oven carefully to avoid drying out.
  
• Reheat leftovers gently in oven, not microwave.
  

How to Store Leftovers

Store in airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes with a splash of cream or sauce to keep moist.

Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450-500
  
• Protein: 10g
  
• Carbohydrates: 65g
  
• Fat: 20g
  
• Sugars: 30g
  

Serving Suggestions

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
  
• Topped with whipped cream
  
• Garnished with fresh berries or sliced bananas
  
• Drizzled generously with extra hot butter rum sauce
  

Ingredient Alternatives

• Bread: Use croissants for flakier texture
  
• Heavy cream: Substitute with whole milk or half-and-half
  
• Brown sugar: Use granulated sugar with molasses or honey
  
• Eggs: Use flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacer for vegan version
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Bread pudding with hot butter rum sauce is more than a dessert—it’s a comforting tradition filled with warmth and nostalgia. The creamy pudding and luscious sauce create a treat perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Gather your ingredients, bake with love, and enjoy every cozy, indulgent bite. Happy baking!

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

• Peanut Soba Noodle Salad  Recipe
• How to make Raisin Bran Muffins
• Soft Gingerbread Cookies and Maple Glaze