Homemade bread pudding sauce elevates any dish easily and deliciously. This vanilla-rum-flavored, thick, creamy sauce completes bread pudding and other delicacies. It's fast, adaptable, and can be prepared ahead, making it perfect for any event.
Heavy cream: Using full-fat heavy cream ensures a richcreamy texture for the sauce.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the saucebalancing the creaminess and vanilla.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a thickening agentgiving the sauce its smooth, velvety consistency.
Vanilla extract: This adds the signature warm flavor that pairs so well with bread pudding.
Rum: A splash of rum gives the sauce a slight kick and pairs beautifully with the vanilla. If you preferyou can use a lighter rum or even bourbon as an alternative.
Instructions
Combine sugar and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 teaspoons of cornstarch. This mixture will act as the base for thickening the sauce.
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 cups of heavy cream to the pan.
Add sugar and cornstarch: Pour the sugar and cornstarch mixture into the saucepan and whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
Boil and thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat to medium-low once it starts to bubble. Continue whisking as it thickens, which will take about 10-15 minutes.
Add vanilla and rum: Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat and whisk in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of rum. The rum adds a deep, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the sweetness of the sauce.
Serve and enjoy: Pour this deliciously rich and creamy sauce over your freshly baked bread pudding and enjoy the perfect dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also drizzle it over other treats like pies, Bakewell tarts, or even ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Video
Notes
Whisk continuously: Constantly whisking the sauce while it simmers is key to achieving a smooth texture. If you stop stirring, the sauce may clump or burn at the bottom of the pan.
Don’t skip the cornstarch: Cornstarch is essential for thickening the sauce. If you omit it, your sauce will be too thin and won’t have the creamy texture you want.
Use full-fat cream: For the thickest and most indulgent sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. This will create a velvety texture that’s perfect for drizzling over desserts.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more sugar or even try using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Experiment with extracts: While this recipe calls for vanilla extract, you can also experiment with other flavors like butter, almond, or caramel extracts for a twist on the classic. Nutrition Information: Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 617IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 0mgNutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.