Delightful Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Made with simple ingredients, this dish transforms stale bread into a delightful sweet treat. It’s easy to prepare and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe allows you to use leftover bread that might otherwise go to waste. It’s an economical dessert that is rich in flavor and texture. The combination of creamy custard, soft bread, and sweet sultanas creates a beautiful dish that feels both homey and indulgent. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
How to Make Bread and Butter Pudding
Ingredients:
- 8 heaped cups white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 2.5 cm / 1" cubes (see Note 1 if for pre-sliced bread)
- 1 cup sultanas or raisins (or more!)
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (low or full fat, not zero fat)
- 1 cup heavy / thickened cream (or any other cream, Note 2 for more milk option)
- 3 tbsp / 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for top pre baking
- 20g / 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for brushing post baking (optional)
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting
- Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, etc.
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
- Egg Mixture: Place eggs in a large bowl, whisk briefly. Add remaining egg mixture ingredients and whisk.
- Soak Bread: Add bread and sultanas, briefly mix, then set aside for 3 minutes to allow the egg mixture to soak through the bread.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour into a baking dish (10 cup / 2.5 litre / 2.5 quart). If you have lots of sultanas on the surface, poke them below the surface (Note 3).
- Drizzle then bake: Drizzle over melted butter, then bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until golden on top and the inside is set but still slightly wobbly (poke to check).
- Brush with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp melted butter (optional), then dust with icing sugar.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve immediately, with toppings of choice! My favorites are ice cream, custard, and cream.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Pudding
Serve warm straight from the oven for the best experience. You can add toppings like fresh cream, ice cream, or custard for extra indulgence. A dusting of icing sugar adds a lovely touch too!
How to Store Bread and Butter Pudding
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you are ready to enjoy it again.
Tips to Make Bread and Butter Pudding
- Use slightly stale bread for better absorption of the custard.
- Experiment with different dried fruits, like currants or chopped apples, for a unique twist.
- Don’t overbake; a slight wobble in the center is perfect for a creamy texture.
Variation
You can turn this into a chocolate bread and butter pudding by adding chocolate chips or chunks to the mixture. This will give a rich and decadent flavor that chocolate lovers will enjoy!
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of bread?
- Yes, you can use brioche, croissants, or even whole grain bread for different flavors and textures.
-
What if I don’t have cream?
- You can substitute heavy cream with more milk, but your pudding may not be as rich.
-
Can this pudding be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the bread and custard mixture ahead and bake it when you are ready to serve. Just allow some extra time for baking.
With its rich flavor and soft texture, Bread and Butter Pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making and sharing this charming dessert!
Bread and Butter Pudding
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 cups white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 2.5 cm / 1" cubes See Note 1 if using pre-sliced bread
- 1 cup sultanas or raisins Or more, to taste
- 3 large eggs
- 1.5 cups milk (low or full fat, not zero fat)
- 1 cup heavy / thickened cream Or any other cream; Note 2 for more milk option
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 0.5 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 30 g unsalted butter, melted – for top pre baking
- 20 g unsalted butter, melted – for brushing post baking (optional)
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting
- Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, etc. For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types).
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs briefly. Add the remaining egg mixture ingredients and whisk until combined.
- Add the bread and sultanas to the egg mixture, briefly mix, and then set aside for 3 minutes to allow the egg mixture to soak through the bread.
- Pour the soaked mixture into a baking dish (10 cup / 2.5 litre / 2.5 quart). If sultanas are on the surface, poke them below the surface.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top, and then bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until golden on top and the inside is set but still slightly wobbly (poke to check).
Serving
- Brush with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp melted butter (optional), then dust with icing sugar.
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then serve immediately with toppings of choice such as ice cream, custard, or cream.
