Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort in Every Bite: My Journey to Perfect Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe – There’s something about Bread and Butter Pudding that feels like a warm hug from the past.

Bread and Butter Pudding

Lumina Liu

This sweet British treat is made with layers of toasted bread, sweet sultanas, and a rich, creamy custard, all baked to a perfect golden brown.

4.9 from votes

Prep Time 20 Minutes

Cook Time 40 Minutes

Total Time 1 Hour 20 Minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine British

Servings 6 servings

Calories 300 calories kcal

Ingredients

 

• 25g/1oz butter
• 8 thin slices bread
• 50g/2oz sultanas
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 350ml/12fl milk
• 50ml/2fl oz double cream
• 2 free-range eggs
• 25g/1oz sugar
• grated nutmeg, to taste

Instructions

 

1. Grease a 1 litre/2 pint pie dish with butter.
2. Cut the crusts off the bread. Spread each slice with on one side with butter, then cut into triangles.
3. Arrange a layer of bread, buttered-side up, in the bottom of the dish, then add a layer of sultanas. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon, then repeat the layers of bread and sultanas, sprinkling with cinnamon, until you have used up all of the bread. Finish with a layer of bread, then set aside.
4. Gently warm the milk and cream in a pan over a low heat to scalding point. Don't let it boil.
5. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add three quarters of the sugar and lightly whisk until pale.
6. Add the warm milk and cream mixture and stir well, then strain the custard into a bowl.
7. Pour the custard over the prepared bread layers and sprinkle with nutmeg and the remaining sugar and leave to stand for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 180C/355F/Gas 4.
9. Place the dish into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is golden-brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 300.00 caloriesFat: 15.00 gCarbohydrates: 35.00 gProtein: 8.00 g

Keyword Pudding, Brunch

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I remember being a kid, sitting at our worn-out kitchen table with my family, eagerly waiting for my mom to pull this golden-brown delight out of the oven.

The anticipation was almost as good as the first bite. My mom wasn’t the type to fuss over recipes; she threw things together with the confidence of someone who knew her kitchen like the back of her hand.

But when it came to Bread and Butter Pudding, she took her time, layering the bread with meticulous care, and I could sense her pride in every spoonful.

The Nostalgia of Bread and Butter Pudding

It’s funny how the simplest dishes can carry such weighty memories. As I grew older and started cooking for myself, I realized that recreating that exact feeling was impossible.

But, oh, how I tried! Over the years, I’ve tweaked and tested countless versions, always aiming to capture that comforting essence.

And while my kitchen might never smell exactly like my childhood home, I think I’ve come pretty close with this recipe.

A Dish Steeped in Tradition

Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic British dessert that dates back to the early 18th century. Born out of necessity, it was a way for households to use up stale bread, transforming it into something delicious and comforting.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with different regions adding their own twists, from the addition of fruits like sultanas to spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

This dish isn’t just a testament to culinary resourcefulness; it’s a reminder of how food can bring comfort and joy, no matter the circumstances. It’s a dessert that’s humble yet indulgent, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

The Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Here’s the recipe for bread and butter pudding:

Ingredients

• 25g/1oz butter, plus extra for greasing
• 8 thin slices of bread
• 50g/2oz sultanas
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 350ml/12fl oz milk
• 50ml/2fl oz double cream
• 2 free-range eggs
• 25g/1oz sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• Grated nutmeg, to taste

Instructions

Want to make a delicious bread and butter pudding? Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Preparing the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 180C/355F/Gas 4. Grease a 1 litre/2 pint pie dish with a generous amount of butter. Trust me, you don’t want your pudding sticking to the dish after all your hard work.

Layering the Bread

Cut the crusts off the bread (I know, it feels a bit wasteful, but it’s all part of the process). Spread each slice with butter on one side, then cut into triangles. Arrange a layer of bread, buttered-side up, in the bottom of the dish.

Scatter a handful of sultanas over the bread, then sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Repeat the layers of bread and sultanas, sprinkling with cinnamon, until you’ve used up all the bread. Finish with a layer of bread, then set aside.

Making the Custard

In a pan, gently warm the milk and cream over a low heat until it reaches scalding point. Be careful not to let it boil – we’re aiming for a gentle warmth here.

Meanwhile, crack the eggs into a bowl, add three quarters of the sugar, and lightly whisk until pale. Pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the eggs, stirring well to combine.

Strain the custard into a bowl to ensure it’s smooth, then pour it over the prepared bread layers. Sprinkle with nutmeg and the remaining sugar, then let it stand for about 30 minutes.

This resting time is crucial; it allows the bread to soak up the custard, making for a richer, more flavorful pudding.

Baking the Pudding

Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top is beautifully golden-brown.

Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want to end up with a burnt top (trust me, I’ve been there).

Helpful Tips for Perfect Bread and Butter Pudding

Make a killer bread and butter pudding with these handy tips:

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use can make a big difference. I’ve found that a good-quality white bread works best, but don’t be afraid to experiment with brioche or even leftover sandwich bread.

Just make sure it’s not too fresh; slightly stale bread will soak up the custard better.

Don’t Skimp on the Butter

Butter is your friend here. It adds richness and helps the bread brown beautifully. Don’t be shy with it – a generous spread on each slice will pay off in flavor.

Resting Time is Key

Letting the pudding sit for 30 minutes before baking is non-negotiable. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a pudding that’s moist and flavorful throughout.

Customizing the Flavor

While the classic version is delicious, feel free to get creative. Add a splash of vanilla extract to the custard, or try using different dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.

A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking can also add a delightful caramelized touch.

Watching the Oven

Every oven is different, so start checking your pudding at the 30-minute mark. You want the top to be golden and the custard to be set but still have a slight wobble in the center.

If it’s browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.

Variations on the Classic Bread and Butter Pudding

Twists on the classic bread and butter pudding recipe with the following variations:

Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding

For a decadent twist, add a handful of chocolate chips between the layers of bread. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Citrus Zest Bread and Butter Pudding

Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the custard for a refreshing citrus flavor. It pairs beautifully with the richness of the pudding.

Spiced Bread and Butter Pudding

Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger. A pinch of these warming spices can add a new dimension to the classic recipe.

Savory Bread and Butter Pudding

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a savory version with layers of cheese and herbs. It’s a great way to use up leftover bread and transform it into a comforting side dish.

Reflecting on the Process and Outcome

As I pulled my latest batch of Bread and Butter Pudding out of the oven, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about the journey.

Each layer of bread, each sprinkle of cinnamon, is a step toward recreating those cherished memories. Sure, my pudding might not be exactly like my mom’s, but it’s mine, and that’s what counts. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity and adaptability.

It’s forgiving and flexible, much like life itself.

So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, give this Bread and Butter Pudding recipe a try. Embrace the imperfections, savor the process, and enjoy the comfort that comes with every bite.