Jamaican Traditional Bread Pudding Recipe

 

Bread pudding is a beloved Jamaican dessert that brings together the rich flavors of stale bread, spices, and a hint of rum. This recipe uses hardo bread, commonly known in Jamaica as "hardo bread," but any type of bread will do. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this bread pudding will take you on a nostalgic journey back to traditional Jamaican kitchens.

Ingredients

• 12 slices of month-old stale bread (Hardo bread or any bread of your choice)

• 2 cups of cow’s milk

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar

• 3 room temperature eggs

• 2 tablespoons room temperature butter (Chiffon margarine works well)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring

• A pinch of salt

• 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons white overproof rum

• Butter (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Crumbs

Start by taking 12 slices of stale bread and placing them into a food processor. Grate until you have fine bread crumbs. Traditionally, bread is hand-grated, but a food processor makes the task much easier. Set the breadcrumbs aside.

Step 2: Mix the Liquid Ingredients

In a blender, add 2 cups of cow’s milk and 1/3 cup of sugar (granulated or brown). Blend until the sugar is well dissolved into the milk.

Next, add 3 room temperature eggs, 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter (or margarine like Chiffon), 1 tablespoon of vanilla flavoring, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 tsp of grated nutmeg. Pour in 2 tablespoons of white overproof rum. Blend everything together until well-combined.

Step 3: Combine the Mixture with Bread Crumbs

Pour the blended mixture into the container with the prepared bread crumbs. Use a spoon to stir as you pour, ensuring that the bread crumbs are well-soaked in the liquid. Let the mixture sit covered for about 5 minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the liquid.

Step 4: Prepare to Bake

Grease your baking pan with butter. I recommend using 2 small square disposable baking tins for this recipe. Once the pan is ready, pour the bread and liquid mixture into the pan.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking pan(s) in the oven and bake for around 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife comes out clean. The aroma in your kitchen will be mouth-watering!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread pudding to cool before cutting into it. The pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil.

Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding:

• If you prefer a richer flavor, use full-fat milk or evaporated milk instead of regular cow’s milk.

• For a fun twist, you can add raisins or coconut flakes to the mixture before baking.

• Serve warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of rum sauce.