Jamaican Bread Pudding Recipe

This Jamaican Bread Pudding is a true taste of the Caribbean. It's a warm, comforting dessert made with simple ingredients like bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of rum (optional). The bread gets soaked in a creamy custard flavored with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, resulting in a pudding that's soft, slightly custardy on the edges, and bursting with flavor. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover bread, and it's sure to become a favorite among family and friends.
Traditionally, Jamaican Bread Pudding is made with a mix of spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. Some variations also include plump raisins soaked in rum for an extra boozy kick. This recipe is vegetarian, but feel free to add a splash of rum for a more authentic experience.

Ingredients

• 10 slices stale bread (any kind), cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup raisins (soaked in rum, optional)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon rum (optional)
• 6-8 maraschino cherries, quartered (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with melted butter. If using, sprinkle the soaked raisins over the bread.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, evaporated milk, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and rum (if using).
4. Pour the wet mixture over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
5. Arrange the quartered maraschino cherries (if using) on top of the bread pudding.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.