Classic Bread Pudding with Hot Butter Rum Sauce: Your New Favorite Comfort Dessert

Have you ever craved a dessert that just wraps you in a warm, sweet hug? Something that reminds you of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and pure, unadulterated comfort? For me, that’s always been Classic Bread Pudding. It’s a dish that feels wonderfully decadent yet surprisingly simple to make, especially when it’s drenched in a luscious Hot Butter Rum Sauce. If the idea of creating a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds sounds good, you’re in the right place. I’m here to show you how to master this timeless treat, making you feel confident and proud in your kitchen.

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 1H
• Cooking Time: 1H
• Total Time: 2H
• Type of dish: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 8 servings
• Calories: 450 calories per serving

Key Takeaways for Your Perfect Bread Pudding

• Uses Up Leftover Bread: A fantastic way to transform day-old bread into something extraordinary.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Most ingredients are probably already in your pantry!
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
• The Sauce is the Star: Our Hot Butter Rum Sauce elevates this to a whole new level.

Mastering Your Classic Bread Pudding: The Foundation of Flavor

The secret to a truly great Classic Bread Pudding lies in a few key elements: the bread, the custard, and of course, the incredible sauce. Let’s break down each step so you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant, right in your own kitchen.

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use makes a big difference. You want something sturdy enough to soak up the custard without turning mushy. I always recommend using day-old bread—it’s slightly stale, which helps it absorb more of that delicious custard, leading to a richer, more flavorful pudding.

• My Go-To Choices: Challah, brioche, or a good quality French baguette. These breads are a little denser and have a great crumb structure.
• Avoid: Fresh, soft sandwich bread. It tends to disintegrate too much.
• Tip: If your bread isn’t day-old, you can cut it into cubes and spread it on a baking sheet. Pop it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted and dried out. This quick trick mimics day-old bread perfectly!

Once you have your bread, tear or cut it into 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry about perfection here; rustic pieces add to the charm of this comfort food.

Crafting the Velvety Custard

The custard is the heart of your Classic Bread Pudding. It’s what transforms simple bread into a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. This is where the magic happens!

Ingredients for the Custard:

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes (from about 1-pound loaf)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional, but highly recommended for a touch of chewiness)

How to Make the Custard:

1. Whisk the Essentials: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. This mixture forms the rich base that will infuse every piece of bread.
2. Combine Bread and Custard: Add your bread cubes to the custard mixture. Gently toss to coat all the bread pieces. Make sure every cube gets a good soak! If you’re using raisins or dried cranberries, now is the time to stir them in.
3. The Soaking Secret: Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even better, an hour. You can even cover it and refrigerate it overnight. This soaking time is crucial because it allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring your bread pudding is incredibly moist and flavorful, not dry or crumbly. This step is a game-changer for a truly easy dessert recipe.

Baking Your Perfect Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Transfer to Dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake It Up: Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it! The pudding should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. This indicates a perfectly cooked, custardy texture.

The Star of the Show: Hot Butter Rum Sauce

While the Classic Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with this warm, buttery, and boozy Hot Butter Rum Sauce. This homemade sauce is incredibly easy to whip up and takes your dessert from great to unforgettable.

Ingredients for the Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup dark rum (or rum extract for an alcohol-free version)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

How to Make the Hot Butter Rum Sauce:

1. Melt and Combine: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugars have dissolved, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Finish with Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the dark rum (or rum extract), vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and glossy. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools.

Serving Your Classic Bread Pudding

Once your Classic Bread Pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit more and makes it easier to slice. Spoon generous amounts of the warm Hot Butter Rum Sauce over each serving. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Essential Tools for This Recipe:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan

A Sweet Ending to Any Day

There you have it—a truly delightful Classic Bread Pudding with Hot Butter Rum Sauce that’s sure to become a cherished easy dessert recipe in your household. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace, a simple pleasure that brings smiles and creates lasting memories. I promise you, once you try this recipe, you’ll be making it again and again. Happy baking!

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