Irresistible Rum-Raisin Pudding Recipe That Warms the Soul

Thank you for stopping by, friend! If there’s one dessert that instantly transports me back to cozy family gatherings, it’s Rum-Raisin Pudding. Just one spoonful brings a wave of warmth, the sweet kiss of rum, and the comforting creaminess of a classic custard treat. This is the kind of dessert that feels like home.

Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Rum-Raisin Pudding, a nostalgic dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s rich, creamy, and lightly boozy in the best way. If you love puddings, custards, or simply want something sweet and soothing, this is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more comforting dessert recipes delivered right to your inbox!

Overview of Rum-Raisin Pudding

Rum-Raisin Pudding is a silky, spoonable custard infused with the deep flavor of dark rum and the sweetness of plump raisins.

• Occasion: Perfect for after-dinner dessert, holidays, or anytime you want a cozy treat.
• Why you’ll love it: It’s creamy, indulgent, yet easy to prepare with pantry staples.
• Flavor profile: Sweet and boozy with bursts of raisin and a custardy richness.
• Health note: While this is a decadent dessert, using whole milk and cream makes it naturally rich—no artificial ingredients needed.
• Seasonal relevance: A fall and winter favorite, though truly welcome any time of the year!

Ingredients

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• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heatproof serving dishes

Suggested Substitutions

• Swap dark rum for golden rum or even bourbon.
• Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

How to Make Rum-Raisin Pudding

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1. Soak the raisins: Place raisins in a small bowl and cover with rum. Let sit for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare custard base: In a saucepan, whisk together milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
3. Cook until thickened: Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens to a pudding consistency (about 8–10 minutes).
4. Add raisins and rum: Stir in the soaked raisins and any leftover rum.
5. Serve: Spoon into serving bowls. Enjoy warm, or chill for a few hours for a firmer texture.

The result? A silky pudding with plump, rum-kissed raisins in every bite.

What to Serve with Rum-Raisin Pudding

• A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon or shaved dark chocolate.
• Serve alongside Easy Homemade Bread Pudding for a dessert spread.
• Pair with an after-dinner espresso or spiced tea.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Soak long: The longer the raisins soak, the more flavor they’ll bring.
• Whisk constantly: To avoid lumps, whisk your pudding mixture the whole time it’s cooking.
• Adjust sweetness: If your raisins are very sweet, reduce sugar slightly.
• Make ahead: This pudding chills beautifully—just cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent skin from forming.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended—dairy custards don’t freeze well.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat if you prefer it warm.

General Information

Rum-Raisin desserts have deep roots in both American and European kitchens. My grandmother loved making rum-soaked raisin cake, and this pudding is my spin on her tradition. The pairing of rum and raisins is timeless—rich, comforting, and nostalgic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this alcohol-free?
Yes! Soak the raisins in hot water or apple juice instead of rum.

Can I use golden raisins instead of dark?
Absolutely—golden raisins are sweeter and add a lighter flavor.

What’s the best rum for this recipe?
Dark rum adds depth, but spiced rum can add warmth and complexity too.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use full-fat coconut milk and oat cream for a luscious dairy-free pudding.

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Conclusion

Rum-Raisin Pudding is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. This recipe is creamy, cozy, and infused with just enough rum to feel like a treat. For more raisin and pudding-inspired recipes, try my Easy Cinnamon Rice Pudding or Old-Fashioned Tapioca Pudding.

Thanks for joining me in the kitchen—don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe if you try this recipe!

Interactive Elements

• Leave me a review in the comments—I’d love to hear your memories of rum-raisin desserts!
• Snap a picture and share on Pinterest with @poulefrecipe.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat	Saturated Fat	Sugar	Sodium
270	38g	4g	10g	6g	28g	90mg

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