Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this classic bread pudding recipe, elevated with a luscious homemade rum sauce. This delicious dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or even a simple weeknight treat. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, transforming stale slices into a decadent and satisfying dessert. This recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward instructions, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or a hearty white bread work best)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup 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 (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Rum Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup dark rum (or substitute with strong coffee for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add bread and optional ingredients: Gently stir in the cubed bread, raisins (if using), and nuts (if using). Make sure the bread is evenly moistened; let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard mixture.
- Bake: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
Making the Rum Sauce:
- Combine butter and sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
- Whisk in egg yolks and cream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot sugar mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
- Simmer and stir: Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Stir in rum and vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the rum (or coffee substitute) and vanilla extract.
Serving:
Serve warm bread pudding topped generously with the rum sauce. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a delightful finishing touch. This recipe makes a fantastic quick dinner idea or a delicious dessert for any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Bread Choice: Experiment with different types of bread for varied flavor profiles. Brioche makes a particularly rich and decadent pudding.
- Fruit Additions: Try adding other fruits like blueberries, cranberries, or chopped apples.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a warming twist.
- Make it Ahead: The bread pudding can be assembled a day ahead and baked the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Protein: Approximately 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
Enjoy this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make bread pudding recipe! It's a surefire way to impress your friends and family with your homemade cooking skills. This recipe is a perfect example of how easy it is to create healthy meals and delicious dishes from simple ingredients. It's one of the best recipes for a satisfying and comforting dessert.