There’s something deeply nostalgic about bread pudding — that warm, custardy comfort, the sweet aroma of cinnamon, and the golden, caramelized top that feels like a hug in dessert form.

This Bread Pudding with Rum and Raisins takes the holiday classic to new heights. Imagine cubes of buttery bread soaked in a spiced rum custard, studded with plump raisins, and baked until golden perfection. It’s festive, rich, and irresistibly cozy — everything a Christmas dessert should be.

Whether you’re serving it after Christmas dinner or as a luxurious brunch treat, this pudding guarantees empty plates and happy hearts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and flavorful — infused with rum, cinnamon, and vanilla
Perfect holiday dessert — warm, cozy, and elegant
Uses leftover bread — a thrifty way to make something magical
Make-ahead friendly — even better the next day
Irresistible with sauce — serve with rum sauce or vanilla ice cream

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

6 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread
1 cup raisins
½ cup dark rum (or orange juice for non-alcoholic)
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp melted butter
Pinch of salt

For the Rum Sauce (Optional but heavenly)

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup dark rum
½ cup heavy cream

Cozy Bread Pudding with Rum and Raisins

This classic Bread Pudding with Rum and Raisins is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavor. Made with day-old bread soaked in evaporated milk, butter, and cinnamon, then baked with rum-soaked fruit and a caramel layer, it’s a timeless dessert perfect for holidays or cozy weekends.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Caribbean, Latin American

Calories: 527

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 cup raisins, sultanas, and chopped dry fruit mix (90g)
1/4 cup golden rum (or 2 tbsp non-alcoholic rum flavoring + 4 tbsp water)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
2 cups evaporated milk
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
6 cups white bread, diced (about 185g or 10 slices)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for deeper flavor)
2 tablespoons water (for caramel)
boiling-hot water, for bain-marie

Equipment

6-cup bundt cake pan
mixer
Small saucepan for caramel
silicone spatula
aluminum foil for covering pan
large baking pan for water bath
oven

Method

Step 1 – Soak the fruit: Combine raisins, sultanas, and chopped dried fruit with rum. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours. Drain and reserve the fruit before baking.
Step 2 – Make the batter: Whisk eggs, condensed milk, and cinnamon powder until smooth. Stir in melted butter, then fold in diced bread. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to soak.
Step 3 – Prepare the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Heat until golden brown, swirling to cook evenly. Pour caramel into a 6-cup bundt pan and coat the bottom and sides quickly using a silicone spatula.
Step 4 – Assemble the pudding: Once caramel hardens, spread a layer of soaked fruit on the bottom of the pan. Spoon bread mixture over the fruit, cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 5 – Bake in bain-marie: Place the mold into a large baking pan. Fill the outer pan with boiling water halfway up the sides of the mold. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour.
Step 6 – Cool and serve: Allow pudding to cool to room temperature. Loosen edges with a toothpick, invert onto a serving plate, and unmold. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Tips: Soak dried fruit overnight for maximum flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with water and dark vanilla extract. Be sure to bake the pudding in a bain-marie to keep it moist and creamy. You can use bread ends and crusts for extra texture. Serve with coffee or a drizzle of rum sauce for a decadent finish.

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Raisins

In a small bowl, soak raisins in rum for 20–30 minutes (or microwave for 30 seconds to speed it up).

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread cubed bread evenly inside.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, melted butter, and salt. Stir in soaked raisins (and remaining rum if desired).

Step 4: Combine and Soak

Pour custard evenly over the bread. Gently press down so all cubes absorb the mixture. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden brown and set but slightly soft in the center.

Step 6: Make the Rum Sauce (Optional)

In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, rum, and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm with a drizzle of rum sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
Citrus Touch: Add orange zest to the custard for brightness.
Tropical: Substitute coconut milk and add shredded coconut.
Apple-Raisin Delight: Add diced sautéed apples for a festive twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead: Assemble pudding and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Store: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbs: 48 g

FAQs

Can I skip the rum?
Yes! Replace it with apple juice, orange juice, or water with a splash of vanilla extract.

Can I use different bread?
Brioche or challah gives the best texture, but any day-old bread works fine.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Let the bread absorb the custard before baking and use slightly stale bread for balance.

Final Thoughts

This Bread Pudding with Rum and Raisins is more than dessert — it’s the flavor of Christmas itself. The warm spices, the touch of rum, and the luscious custard create a treat that feels timeless and special.

So light those candles, gather around the table, and serve this pudding with pride. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your home smell like the holidays and your heart feel full.