Description
Bread and butter pudding is a timeless British dessert that transforms simple day-old bread slices soaked in a rich, spiced custard into a warm, golden, and comforting treat. Easy to prepare using everyday pantry staples, it offers a nostalgic, creamy texture with options to customize flavors for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 8–10 slices day-old white or brioche bread
- Butter, for spreading generously
Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Add-Ins
- ½ cup raisins or mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Butter each slice of bread generously on one side, then cut them into pieces or triangles that fit your baking dish. This ensures an even custard soak and a crisp, golden top.
- Layer the Bread and Fruits: Arrange the buttered bread slices in your dish with the buttered side facing up. Layer raisins or your choice of dried fruits between pieces to add bursts of sweetness throughout the pudding.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and your chosen spices until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating a velvety custard base.
- Pour Custard and Rest: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread, gently pressing down to help the bread absorb the liquid. Allow the pudding to rest for 10-15 minutes to soak up the custard thoroughly before baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pudding for 35-45 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Notes
- Use slightly stale or day-old bread for better custard absorption without sogginess.
- Butter the bread generously to add richness and help create a crisp top layer.
- Do not rush the soaking time; letting custard fully penetrate the bread ensures a tender, evenly flavored pudding.
- If browning too fast, cover the pudding with foil to prevent overcooking the top.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly after baking for firmer slices and enhanced flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg