This cozy bread pudding is soft, warm, and full of holiday spice topped with a glossy caramel rum sauce that melts down into every bite. Perfect for Christmas, Sunday dinner, or when you want a comforting dessert that feels like home.

Ingredients

8–12 slice bread (hard dough, brioche, challah, or regular white bread)
3 cups whole milk or evaporated milk
½ cup coconut milk (or replace with more milk)
3 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup melted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
½ cup raisins (rum-soaked or plain)
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Caramel Rum Sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 tbsp butter
½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
1–2 tbsp rum (Appleton, Wray & Nephew, or rum cream)
Pinch of salt
Optional: cinnamon or crushed pimento for warmth

Instructions

1. Prep the Bread
Cut or tear bread into medium-sized cubes.

2. Make the Custard
In a large bowl whisk together:
Evaporated milk
coconut milk
eggs
brown sugar
vanilla
cinnamon
nutmeg ground ginger
melted butter
coconut (optional)
rum (optional)
Pour the custard all over the bread.
Press the bread down gently to help it soak.
Let it sit 10–15 minutes for a softer pudding.

3. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes.
It should be golden on top with a soft center.
Bake longer for a firmer slice, shorter for extra moist pudding.

4. Make the Caramel Rum Sauce
Add butter and brown sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until melted and bubbling.
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream or coconut milk.
Let the sauce simmer until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat → add rum last so the flavor stays strong.
Let it thicken slightly before pouring.

5. Serve
Slice or scoop the warm bread pudding.
Pour the warm caramel rum sauce all over the top.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

Stale bread absorbs more custard → richer texture
Rum-soaked raisins add flavor without overpowering
Coconut makes it extra moist but is completely optional
Don’t skip the soaking time — it’s what gives that soft interior
Add more cream for a richer, silkier custard

Serving Ideas

With vanilla ice cream
With whipped cream
With toasted coconut flakes
Warm for breakfast with tea

watch video here

If you make this Jamaican Bread Pudding with Caramel Rum Sauce, I’d love to see it!
Share your photos, tag @khaliaskuisine, and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more cozy Jamaican recipes. ❤️🍽️