Ah, Spiced Rum Bread Pudding! Just the name brings back wonderful memories of cozy gatherings and late-night desserts. I first tried making it for a holiday celebration at my friend’s house, and it was a total hit! The comforting smell of the cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the air was enough to make my mouth water even before it went into the oven. When I served this warm, drizzled with a rich caramel sauce, I saw everyone’s eyes light up.
What I love most about Spiced Rum Bread Pudding is that it’s the perfect way to turn stale bread into a delicious dessert. Yes, you read that right! Instead of tossing out leftover bread, we’re going to transform it into a creamy, flavorful delight. Plus, I always enjoy adding a little rum to my desserts—it just adds a special depth of flavor that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
What’s in Spiced Rum Bread Pudding?
Stale Bread: The star of the show! You can use any bread you have on hand, but I highly recommend a nice brioche or French bread. They are soft and soak up the custard beautifully without getting too mushy.
Eggs: These are essential for binding everything together and giving the pudding that rich custard texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results!
Milk and Heavy Cream: This duo provides that luxurious creaminess that makes bread pudding so indulgent. I prefer using whole milk and heavy cream for the ultimate richness, but you can substitute with lower-fat alternatives if you want.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice): Oh, the wonderful spices! They not only add warmth and flavor but will also make your house smell incredible while baking.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the pudding, making everything feel cozy and nostalgic.
Vanilla Extract: Trust me when I say that a splash of pure vanilla extract will elevate the dessert to a whole new level. It’s like a secret handshake among flavors!
Spiced Rum: The magic ingredient! It adds a wonderful warmth and complexity. If you don’t have spiced rum, a dark rum or even a splash of bourbon can work marvelously.
Is Spiced Rum Bread Pudding Good for You?
While Spiced Rum Bread Pudding certainly isn’t a health dish per se, it does have some redeeming qualities!
Bread: If you use whole-grain bread, you can sneak in some fiber into this decadent dessert.
Eggs: These little beauties pack protein and essential nutrients, so there’s that.
***However,*** it’s worth noting that this pudding is definitely rich in sugar and fat, thanks to the cream and brown sugar. So I would recommend enjoying this as an occasional treat rather than an everyday dessert. And if you need to make it a bit lighter, you can cut back on the sugar or swap heavy cream for a lighter milk option.
Ingredients
– 6 cups of stale brioche or French bread, cubed (About 1 loaf)
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon allspice
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– ½ cup spiced rum
This recipe makes about 8 servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family!
How to Make Spiced Rum Bread Pudding?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray is a great start.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and spiced rum. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Add in the bread cubes and gently fold them into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece of bread is soaked. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes so that the bread can absorb all that creamy goodness.
4. Pour the soaked bread mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly and press down slightly to ensure no bread pieces are floating on top.
5. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, serving it warm is the best—add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if you’re feeling particularly indulgent!
Tips and Twists for Extra Yum!
– If you want to get adventurous, consider adding some mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit! Raisins or dried cranberries work particularly well.
– Don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a lovely crunch.
– If you’re feeling cheeky, feel free to pour a little extra rum on top when serving—because why not?
I genuinely hope you give this Spiced Rum Bread Pudding a try! It’s the kind of dessert that warms your heart and wraps you up in cozy flavors. The next time you have friends over or want something special for yourself, whip this up and watch the smiles on everyone’s faces! Feel free to share your experiences, tips, and even your variations in the comments. Happy baking!