Bread and butter pudding is a timeless comfort food that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. This delicious dessert combines simple ingredients like butter, bread, sugar, and eggs into a custard-like creation, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a treat to serve at a family dinner, or simply want to enjoy something sweet on a cozy evening, bread and butter pudding never disappoints.
In this blog post, I will guide you step by step on how to make the perfect bread and butter pudding, with a special twist that will make your version stand out.
Ingredients:
• 6 slices of stale white bread (or any bread you prefer)
• 4 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
• 50g (1/4 cup) of raisins or mixed dried fruit (optional but highly recommended for added flavor)
• 2 eggs
• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) of milk
• 200ml (3/4 cup) of double cream (for a rich, smooth texture)
• 75g (1/3 cup) of sugar (you can adjust the sweetness according to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• A pinch of salt
• Zest of one lemon (optional, but it brightens up the flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread:
• Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Take the slices of bread and spread butter on both sides of each slice. For an extra touch of flavor, you can use a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the buttered bread before assembling the pudding.
• Cut the buttered bread slices into halves or quarters. If your bread is a bit stale, it will work better, as it soaks up the custard mixture more effectively.
2. Assemble the Pudding:
• Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prevent the pudding from sticking.
• Layer the buttered bread slices in the dish. You can add some raisins or mixed dried fruit between the layers for a burst of flavor and texture.
• Continue layering the bread until you’ve used up all the slices. If you’re using fruit, make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the layers.
3. Make the Custard:
• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and lemon zest (if using).
• Pour this custard mixture over the bread layers, making sure all the bread is soaked. Gently press down the bread with a spoon to ensure it’s fully soaked.
4. Bake the Pudding:
• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set.
• The pudding should be slightly puffed and firm to the touch in the center. If a skewer comes out clean, it’s ready to be served.
5. Serving:
• Let the bread and butter pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Perfect Bread and Butter Pudding:
• Bread Selection: The type of bread you use can impact the texture and taste. While white bread is traditional, you can experiment with other options like brioche or whole wheat for a different flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld beautifully, and all you need to do is bake it the next day.
• Customizing Flavors: Feel free to get creative with your bread and butter pudding. Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or use flavored liqueurs like rum or brandy to soak the dried fruit.
• Serving Suggestions: While this pudding is delicious on its own, serving it with custard, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce will elevate it further.
Why You Should Try Bread and Butter Pudding:
This classic dessert is a great way to use up leftover bread, transforming it into a luxurious treat. Bread and butter pudding is versatile, easy to make, and a fantastic way to bring some homemade comfort into your home. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply craving something sweet, this pudding is sure to please everyone.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Carbs: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
Bread and butter pudding is one of those simple yet satisfying desserts that never go out of style. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner or as an indulgent treat when you need something sweet. With a few basic ingredients, you can transform your bread into a comforting, creamy pudding that’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors to make this dessert your own!