Ah, *bread and butter pudding*! Just the thought of it brings back such cozy memories. This classic dessert has always been a staple in my family, filling our home with the warm scent of vanilla and cinnamon. I remember my grandmother making it on chilly Sunday afternoons, gathering us around the table as she pulled the golden pudding from the oven. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a hug, combining the sweetness of custard-soaked bread with a crispy top that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like digging into a warm bowl of this pudding, topped with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s pure comfort food at its best, and I can’t wait to share my recipe with you!
Ingredients for Bread and Butter Pudding
You’ll want to gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious bread and butter pudding. Don’t worry, they’re all easy to find!
- 6 slices of stale bread (preferably thick-cut for a heartier texture)
- 4 tablespoons of butter (softened, for easy spreading)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk is best for creaminess)
- 1 cup of cream (heavy cream adds richness)
- 4 large eggs (to give the custard its perfect structure)
- 3/4 cup of sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended for warmth)
These ingredients come together to create a delightful custard that soaks into the bread, making each bite a heavenly experience. Trust me, you won’t want to skip any of these essentials!
How to Prepare Bread and Butter Pudding
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making bread and butter pudding! It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert in no time.
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust! While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray. This will help your pudding slide right out when it’s done, making serving a breeze.
Layer the Bread
Now, let’s butter the bread! Spread softened butter generously on both sides of your slices. Then, cut the bread into triangles or squares—whatever you prefer! I like to layer them in the baking dish, overlapping a bit for that rustic look. Remember, using stale bread is key here; it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning to mush.
Make the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until everything is well blended. Each ingredient plays a role here: the eggs give it structure, while the milk and cream create that rich, creamy texture we all love. Feel free to taste a little—it’s all part of the fun!
Combine and Bake
Pour that luscious custard mixture over your layered bread, making sure every piece is soaked. Let it sit for about 30 minutes—this soaking time is crucial for flavor! Once that’s done, pop it in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the custard has set nicely. Just a gentle shake of the dish should show a slight jiggle—don’t worry, it’ll firm up as it cools!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just over an hour!
- A classic comfort food that brings back memories and warmth.
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients, perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Customizable! Toss in raisins, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nuts for extra flavor.
- Perfectly creamy and satisfying, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Leftover-friendly, making it a great way to use stale bread.
- Serves beautifully warm, drizzled with cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Tips for Success
Getting that perfect bread and butter pudding is all about a few little tricks! Here are my top tips to ensure your dessert turns out absolutely divine:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread is your best friend here! It soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, leave it out overnight to dry a bit.
- Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on the butter when spreading on the bread. A good layer enhances flavor and helps create that lovely golden top.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your pudding towards the end of baking. It should be golden brown on top and slightly jiggly in the center. Remember, it’ll set more as it cools!
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a drizzle of heavy cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of custard for an extra indulgent treat.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to throw in some raisins or chocolate chips for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to adjust your sugar if you’re adding something sweet!
With these tips in your pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the most comforting, delicious bread and butter pudding that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
As you indulge in your warm and comforting bread and butter pudding, it’s nice to know a bit about what’s in it! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving, which is about one piece of this delicious dessert. Keep in mind that these values might vary based on your specific ingredients and any extras you decide to add!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 6g
So, enjoy your pudding without the guilt! It’s all about balance, and this classic treat is worth every bite.
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about making the perfect bread and butter pudding, so let’s dive right into the most common ones!
Can I use fresh bread?
Technically, you can, but I highly recommend using stale bread. It soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy. If you only have fresh bread, just leave it out overnight to dry a bit before using it!
How to store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat gently!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the pudding the day before, just cover it with foil and pop it in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for that fresh, warm-out-of-the-oven taste!
What can I serve with it?
Oh, the options are endless! A drizzle of cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of custard on top makes it extra special. You could also serve it with fresh berries for a lovely contrast!
How do I know when it’s done?
Great question! You’ll want to look for a golden brown top and a slight jiggle in the center. If it doesn’t wobble too much, it’s likely set. Remember, it’ll firm up a bit as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a tad soft right out of the oven!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful bread and butter pudding, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy deliciousness intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: After you’ve enjoyed your warm pudding, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to dive back in, gently reheat your pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help revive that lovely texture and bring back the warmth. You can also microwave individual portions for about 30-60 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, or you might end up with a rubbery texture.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra treat, serve your reheated pudding with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of ice cream. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to elevate your dessert experience!
With these simple steps, you can enjoy your bread and butter pudding just as much the next day as you did when it was fresh out of the oven! Happy indulging!
Print
Bread and Butter Pudding: 7 Comforting Flavor Secrets
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert made with layers of bread and a creamy custard.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of stale bread
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of cream
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread butter on both sides of bread slices.
- Cut bread into triangles and layer in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the custard over the bread layers.
- Let it soak for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use leftover bread for best results.
- Add raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Serve with cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: bread and butter pudding
