CHRISTMAS RECIPES > Christmas Desserts

Apple Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

Fans of bread pudding will enjoy this version with apple chunks, topped with a warm rum sauce.

Ingredients:

8 cups stale bread cubes ml (cut 3/4 inch/1.5 cm thick)
2 cups chopped 500 ml (unpeeled) Ontario apples (such as Cortland, Crispin, Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonagold, Northern Spy, Spartan)
1/2 cup golden raisins 125 ml
5 eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar 175 ml
3 cups milk 750 ml
2 tsp vanilla 10 ml
2 tsp cinnamon 10 ml

Rum Sauce:

11/4 cups packed 300 m
4 tbsp cornstarch 60 ml
pinch salt pinch
2 cups cold water 500 ml
2 tbsp butter 30 ml
2 tbsp amber rum 30 ml
(or 1 tsp/5 ml rum extract)

Directions:

In large bowl, combine bread cubes, apples and raisins. In separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes, stir to combine well; let rest 5 minutes.

Pour bread pudding mixture into greased 13 x 19 inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan. Bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until puffed and knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Prepare Rum Sauce: In medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch and salt; stir in cold water. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and rum. Serve over warm bread pudding.

Makes 8 servings.