Picture the comforting aroma of cinnamon and warm custard wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a delightful Bread and Butter Pudding.
This classic British dessert is both simple and indulgent, offering a cozy treat perfect for any occasion.
Watch as basic ingredients transform into a golden, creamy delight, with layers of buttery bread and sweet raisins.
Let’s bring this heartwarming pudding to life and enjoy every comforting bite together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Measuring cup
- 1 Butter knife
Ingredients
- 6 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- 50 grams butter, softened
- 300 milliliters milk
- 100 milliliters cream
- 2 large eggs
- 75 grams sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 grams raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar, for sprinkling
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Bread and Butter Pudding, here’s a suggested timeline based on the provided prep, cook, and resting times:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Take a moment to read through the entire recipe and gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will guarantee you have everything you need and understand the process before you start.
- Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Butter each slice of bread on one side and cut into triangles.
- Arrange the layers of buttered bread and raisins in the baking dish as instructed.
- Whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
- Pour the milk mixture over the layered bread and sprinkle the top with cinnamon and sugar.
- Resting Before Baking (10 minutes):
- Allow the bread to soak in the milk mixture for 10 minutes. During this time, you can clean up any prep mess or prepare any additional ingredients if you plan to modify the recipe, such as adding brandy or substituting fruits.
- Baking (45 minutes):
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard has set.
- During this time, you can continue with other tasks, but keep an eye on the oven towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
- Resting After Baking (10 minutes):
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This will help the custard to set further and make it easier to serve.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Butter each slice of bread on one side and cut into triangles.
Arrange a layer of buttered bread in a baking dish, buttered side up, and sprinkle half the raisins over the bread.
Add another layer of bread and the remaining raisins, finishing with a final layer of bread.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
Pour the milk mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
Sprinkle the top with the ground cinnamon and additional sugar.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard has set.
Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the warm, comforting flavors of the pudding.
- Custard Sauce: Drizzle warm custard sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
- Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by serving with a side of mixed fresh berries.
- Caramel Sauce: Enhance the dessert with a rich caramel sauce for added depth and indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense pudding.
Storage
To store bread and butter pudding, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
Consume within 2-3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Bread and Butter Pudding, cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Store in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating bread and butter pudding, use an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15-20 minutes.
Cover with foil to prevent drying out, ensuring the pudding remains moist and warm.
Final Thoughts
Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic British dessert that combines simplicity with comfort.
With its creamy custard base and buttery bread layers, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.
The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it an accessible option for both novice and experienced bakers.
The inclusion of raisins and a hint of cinnamon adds depth and warmth to the dish, while the optional addition of brandy or whiskey can elevate the flavor profile for a more sophisticated finish.
Customization is also possible with this dessert.
By experimenting with different types of bread or dried fruits, you can tailor the pudding to suit your personal taste preferences.
For those who enjoy a richer or more decadent version, substituting white bread with brioche or challah is an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Grain Bread Instead of White Bread?
You can substitute whole grain bread for white bread. The denser texture may alter absorption, so guarantee complete saturation with the custard mixture. Adjust sweetness to taste, as whole grain often imparts a nuttier, less sweet profile.
What Can Be Used as a Dairy-Free Alternative to Cream?
You can substitute cream with coconut cream or soy cream in equal parts. They provide similar richness and mouthfeel. Confirm you whisk thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency, maintaining the integrity of the dish’s texture and flavor.
How Can I Make the Pudding Less Sweet?
To reduce sweetness, decrease sugar to 50 grams and eliminate the sugar sprinkle. Use unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream as substitutes. Opt for bittersweet chocolate or omit raisins. Adjust vanilla extract to 1/2 teaspoon for subtlety.
Is It Possible to Make This Pudding Gluten-Free?
You can make the pudding gluten-free by substituting the white bread with gluten-free bread. Confirm your chosen bread maintains structural integrity. Check all other ingredients, like vanilla extract, for hidden gluten content to avoid contamination.
Can I Prepare the Pudding Mix in Advance?
You can prepare the pudding mix in advance. Whisk the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then refrigerate. When ready, soak the bread, sprinkle toppings, and bake. Guarantee proper storage to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Bread and Butter Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Butter knife
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread crusts removed
- 50 grams butter softened
- 300 milliliters milk
- 100 milliliters cream
- 2 large eggs
- 75 grams sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 grams raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Butter each slice of bread on one side and cut into triangles.
- Arrange a layer of buttered bread in a baking dish, buttered side up, and sprinkle half the raisins over the bread.
- Add another layer of bread and the remaining raisins, finishing with a final layer of bread.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Sprinkle the top with the ground cinnamon and additional sugar.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard has set.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
