Bread pudding is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time, evolving from a humble dish made to use up stale bread into a rich and satisfying treat that can be found in many variations worldwide. Whether you’re craving a traditional bread pudding recipe or looking to put a modern twist on this beloved dessert, the process is simple and rewarding.
Below, I’ll walk you through an easy bread pudding recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers. I’ll also include a fantastic rum sauce recipe for bread pudding to really take things up a notch.
Ingredients for Traditional Bread Pudding
- 6 cups of stale bread (preferably brioche or French bread)
- 2 ½ cups of whole milk
- ½ cup of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (paid ad) (I prefer the alcohol-free version)
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (paid ad)
- ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (paid ad)
- ½ cup of raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (melted)
Instructions for Making Bread Pudding
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the bread: Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out evenly in the greased baking dish. If you want to add raisins or other mix-ins, sprinkle them over the bread.
- Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Soak the bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Lightly press the bread down with a spatula to ensure every piece is soaked in the custard.
- Bake the pudding: Drizzle the melted butter over the top. Let the bread sit and absorb the custard for about 10 minutes, then bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You should be able to insert a toothpick into the center and have it come out clean.
Try our Perfect Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe for another simple and delicious treat—a sweet and nutty favorite!
A Decadent Chocolate Twist
If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll enjoy this chocolate bread pudding recipe. Before baking, simply add 1 cup of chocolate chips (paid ad) to the mix. You can even substitute half the milk with chocolate milk for an extra-rich texture.
Bread Pudding Recipe with Sauce
No bread pudding is complete without a sauce to drizzle over the top. For a classic pairing, make a quick vanilla or caramel sauce. However, if you want to go all out, a rum sauce recipe for bread pudding brings a warm, sophisticated flavor perfect for special occasions. Here’s how to make it.
Rum Sauce Recipe for Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons of dark rum (paid ad)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add sugar and cream: Stir in the sugar and heavy cream, and continue to cook until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth – about 5 minutes.
- Add rum and vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum and vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool slightly before serving.
This warm and luxurious rum sauce perfectly complements the bread pudding’s creamy texture. Pour it over your bread pudding just before serving for a decadent finish.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding Recipe
- Use stale bread: The best bread pudding starts with stale bread because it absorbs more custard without turning soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for about 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to dry it out.
- Mix-ins: Raisins, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or nuts can be added to the bread pudding for extra flavor and texture.
- Customize the sauce: While this rum sauce is delicious, you can experiment with bourbon, brandy, or even a non-alcoholic caramel sauce for a different flavor profile.
With this easy bread pudding recipe, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that is comforting, rich, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you prefer the traditional bread pudding recipe or are eager to try the chocolate variation, this dish is sure to satisfy you.
And don’t forget, the bread pudding recipe with sauce—especially with a little rum—makes for an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone returning for seconds!
Next, try a classic dessert with a hint of spice – don’t miss our Heavenly Moist Carrot Cake Recipe with Creamy Frosting—a perfect treat for any occasion!