Fine Desserts

Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding

4.77 from 17 votes
A grown-up twist on my beloved traditional Irish Bread and Butter Pudding, my Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding recipe has even more raisins and I soak them in a bit of rum.
A top-down view of my Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding and a separate serving of it.

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Hi Bold Bakers!

When I was growing up in Ireland, my mum used to make a delicious and comforting raisin bread pudding to help warm us up during the long, cold winters. 

However, this is a grown-up twist on my beloved traditional Irish Bread and Butter Pudding — I add more raisins and I soak them in a bit (okay, a lot) of rum. I have a feeling you’ll love this version just as much as I do. (Rum is optional!) 

My Homemade Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding is a simple, homey dessert you can enjoy winter, spring, summer, fall — and it’s a great way to use up old bread you may have laying around, with just a few more ingredients you’ll already find in your house! 

What Is Rum Raisin Bread And Butter Pudding? 

Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding is a traditional dessert made with ingredients many people already have in their homes. It’s best served piping hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s quite literally a sweet pudding that you make with bread.

It’s also one of those desserts that is so good that you’ll think about it all night, and then decide to treat yourself to a serving for breakfast. I won’t ever judge you for that.

Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding in a bowl with loads of rum-soaked raisins.

What You Need To Make Rum Raisin Bread And Butter Pudding

How To Make Rum Raisin Bread And Butter Pudding

Taking a sip of rum while making this recipe is optional, but it probably wouldn’t hurt! Here’s how you make this Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements, on the page down below):

  1. Place the raisins and rum in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with cling wrap and microwave for 25 seconds. Set them aside and let them plump up. 
  2. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch (23 x 33cm) baking dish.
  3. Butter each slice of bread and then cut them into large cubes. Place the bread into your prepared baking dish.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  5. Add in the soaked raisins and rum, stir to combine, and then pour the mixture over the bread. 
  6. Let the bread soak in this mixture for 45 minutes. You’ll want to press the slices down, now and then, to ensure they are absorbing as much liquid as possible.
  7. Bake the pudding for about 44-55 minutes in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven, or until it is puffed and golden. 

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Rum Raisin Bread And Butter Pudding

  • You can leave out the rum if you prefer not to use it. Instead, replace it with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  • Raisins aren’t the only dried fruit that goes well in this dessert! Experiment with other dried fruit, citrus zest, and extracts. If you use larger dried fruits, like figs or dates, chop them up small.
  • For best results, use day-old bread. If it is slightly stale, it will absorb a lot of liquid but will also hold up better. 
  • White bread works, but if you want an extra indulgent dessert, try using my homemade challah or brioche bread! 
  • If you have time, let it soak overnight to absorb all the delicious flavors before cooking.

Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding served in a bowl with homemade cream.

How Do I Store Rum Raisin Bread And Butter Pudding?

You can store it in a refrigerator, in a covered container, for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes.

Make More Puddings!

And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!

Full (and printable) recipe below!

Rum Raisin Irish Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

4.77 from 17 votes
A grown-up twist on my beloved traditional Irish Bread and Butter Pudding, my Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding recipe has even more raisins and I soak them in a bit of rum.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 8 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
A grown-up twist on my beloved traditional Irish Bread and Butter Pudding, my Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding recipe has even more raisins and I soak them in a bit of rum.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (3 ¾ oz/106g) raisins
  • ¼ cup (2floz/57ml) dark rum
  • 8 slices (10oz/280g) white bread (crusts on)
  • ¼ cup (2oz/57g) butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup (2oz/57g) brown sugar
  • 2 cups (16oz/450ml) milk
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Place the raisins and rum in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with cling wrap and microwave for 25 seconds. Set aside and let them plump up.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch (23 x 33cm) baking dish.
  • Butter each slice of bread before cutting it into large cubes. Place the bread into your prepared baking dish.
  • In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add in the soaked raisins and rum and stir to combine before pouring the mixture over the bread.
  • Let the bread soak for a minimum of 45 minutes to absorb the liquid, gently pressing down on the slices every now and then.
  • Bake the pudding for about 45-55 minutes, or until it is puffed and golden.
  • Serve warm with freshly whipped cream. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15 minutes.
4.77 from 17 votes (13 ratings without comment)
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Jordan R. Buraga
Jordan R. Buraga
4 years ago

Gemma Any substitute of Rum?

ReshmaChakraborty
4 years ago

It’s a amazing recipe. Thanks a ton for sharing Gemma

Luke Hayes
Luke Hayes
4 years ago

YUMMM
YUMMM
YUMMM

I love it!!

Last edited 4 years ago by Luke Hayes
Deb Marshman Vance
Deb Marshman Vance
4 years ago

If I don’t have day old (or 2 lol) I lay slices out on jellyroll pan and toast them up a bit in the oven, sometimes sprinke a lil cinnamon/sugar mix over it. And because I am more about TASTE than healthy, I will butter the slices after toasting LOL

Mary Ellen Aldrich
Mary Ellen Aldrich
4 years ago

“This is the first of many puddings that I must try… this  traditional Irish Bread and Butter Pudding, is a must make and soon”

Olga
Olga
4 years ago

Hi Gemma! The recipe looks amazing! Could I use rum essence instead of rum? And if yes, how much? Thank you for your time!

JORDAN Garrett
4 years ago

Does your bread and butter pudding freeze well?

This Recipe Made By Bold Bakers

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ReshmaChakraborty

About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

Weeknight Family Favorites Chapter from the Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day Cookbook