If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve just found it. This Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe blends simple, humble ingredients like slightly stale bread, rich cream, and fragrant spices into a golden, custardy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Each bite melts with creamy sweetness and nostalgic charm, reminding you why this classic pudding has captured hearts for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This pudding is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients transform into something magical. Every element, from the soft bread cubes to the velvety egg mixture, plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 8 heaped cups white bread: Slightly stale bread is best to soak up the custard without turning mushy, cut into 2.5 cm cubes.
- 1 cup sultanas or raisins: These add sweetness and chewy pops of texture throughout the pudding.
- 3 eggs: They bind the mixture and create the custardy richness you crave.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Use low or full fat milk to balance creaminess and lightness.
- 1 cup heavy or thickened cream: Essential for the lusciously smooth custard—optional substitutions may affect creaminess.
- 3 tbsp / 40g unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, this enriches the custard’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder: Adds warmth and a touch of fragrant spice.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: The classic flavor enhancer that makes the custard sing.
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: For drizzling on top before baking to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- 20g / 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Optional for brushing on after baking to add shine and extra richness.
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar: To dust over the finished pudding for a delicate, pretty touch.
- Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate or caramel sauce: Perfect for serving and making every spoonful even more indulgent.
How to Make Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) for all oven types. This steady heat is key for cooking the custard slowly, giving it that perfect silky texture while creating a golden top that’s slightly crisp.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them just briefly to combine. Then add the milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and melted butter before whisking everything thoroughly. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant, promising rich flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Soak the Bread and Sultanas
Gently fold in the bread cubes and sultanas, making sure every piece is lightly coated with the custard mix. Let this rest for 3 minutes so the bread soaks through and begins to absorb the beautiful flavors. This step sets up the pudding’s wonderfully tender yet structured texture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into a 10-cup (2.5 litre/quart) baking dish. If you spot many sultanas sitting on the surface, gently push them just below to keep the pudding evenly sweet and to ensure a delightfully uniform texture in every mouthful.
Step 5: Drizzle Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter over the top, which encourages that signature golden crust during baking. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a beautifully browned top. The pudding should be set in the middle but still have a slight wobble—this means it will be luxuriously creamy once cooled.
Step 6: Optional Butter Brush and Sugar Dusting
Once out of the oven, brush the top with the remaining melted butter if you like an extra glossy finish. Follow it with a light dusting of icing sugar which adds sweetness and a pretty snowy effect that’s picture-perfect.
Step 7: Serve and Savor Immediately
After a brief rest for a few minutes, serve your pudding warm with dollops of ice cream, a pour of custard, cream, or perhaps your favorite sauce. This Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is best enjoyed fresh when all the creamy textures and warm spices can truly shine.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Simple touches elevate this pudding beautifully: a sprinkle of toasted nuts, a dusting of cinnamon sugar, or a handful of fresh berries add color and texture. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce takes it over the top for an indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
Serve your Bread and Butter Pudding with a side of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the warm custard. A small bowl of custard sauce on the side amps up the creamy factor, making each spoonful even more irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized dessert presentation. Layer sultanas or even thin slices of fruit like apple or pear between bread layers for a fruity twist. Adding a caramelized sugar top before serving can offer a delightful crackly texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, and it often tastes even better the next day once the custard has set fully in the fridge.
Freezing
This pudding freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. When you want a cozy dessert, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pudding gently in a microwave or oven at a low temperature, covered to prevent drying out. The custard will become soft and luscious again, replicating that freshly baked comfort almost perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular sliced bread for this Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-sliced bread, but slightly stale bread is best because it absorbs the custard better and holds its shape without becoming soggy. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly to dry it out before cubing.
Is there a dairy-free option for this pudding?
You can substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream, but keep in mind the texture and richness will vary slightly from the traditional recipe.
How do I know when the pudding is done baking?
The pudding is ready when the top is golden and the custard inside appears set but still has a slight wobble if you gently shake the dish. This ensures it remains creamy without being runny or overcooked.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the pudding?
Absolutely! Dried apricots, chopped apples, or toasted nuts make wonderful additions for extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in during the soaking step so they get nicely infused with custard.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are delicious served warm or cold with a scoop of ice cream, custard sauce, or drizzled with caramel. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick comforting treat.
Final Thoughts
This Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like coming home. With its simple ingredients, straightforward method, and absolutely delicious results, it’s a perfect recipe to keep in your culinary repertoire. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go on, bake a batch and share a spoonful of warmth with friends or family today!
Print
Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
A comforting and classic dessert, Bread and Butter Pudding transforms simple slices of bread and sultanas into a deliciously creamy and golden-baked treat. Infused with cinnamon and vanilla, and enriched with eggs, milk, and cream, this recipe offers a delightful texture with a crispy buttery top and a soft, custardy interior. Perfect for a cozy family dessert served with your choice of ice cream, custard, or cream.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 8 heaped cups white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 2.5 cm / 1″ cubes
- 1 cup sultanas or raisins (or more!)
Custard Mixture
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (low or full fat, not zero fat)
- 1 cup heavy / thickened cream (or any other cream, see notes 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
Butter for Baking and Finishing
- 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for drizzling before baking
- 20g / 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for brushing post baking (optional)
To Serve
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting
- Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C/350°F (all oven types) to ensure it’s ready to bake your pudding evenly.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, place the eggs and whisk briefly. Add the milk, cream, melted cooled butter, sugar, cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk all ingredients together until combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Add the cubed bread and sultanas to the egg mixture. Gently but thoroughly mix so the bread absorbs the custard. Let the mixture sit for 3 minutes so the bread cubes soak up the liquid mixture properly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into a 10 cup (2.5 litre / 2.5 quart) baking dish. If you notice many sultanas floating on top, gently push them below the surface to distribute the fruit evenly.
- Drizzle Butter and Bake: Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the top of the pudding. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the interior is set yet still slightly wobbly when gently shaken. Test doneness by poking the center.
- Brush with Butter and Dust: Optionally brush the top with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of melted butter after baking to add richness. Then dust the surface lightly with icing sugar for a beautiful finish.
- Serve: Allow the pudding to rest for a few minutes before serving warm. Accompany with your favorite toppings such as ice cream, custard, cream, or sauces like chocolate or caramel for extra indulgence.
Notes
- About Bread: Slightly stale white bread is preferred to help absorb the custard without becoming too mushy. If using pre-sliced bread, cut into 2.5 cm / 1 inch cubes.
- Cream Alternatives: You can substitute the heavy cream with more milk for a lighter option, but the pudding may be less rich and creamy.
- Sultana Distribution: To ensure even fruit throughout the pudding, gently poke floating sultanas below the surface before baking.
- Butter Brushing: Brushing melted butter on top post-baking is optional but adds extra shine and richness to the crust.
