There’s something magical about turning simple, humble ingredients into a warm and comforting dessert. Bread and butter pudding is a nostalgic dish that brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. With its golden crust, creamy interior, and bursts of sweetness from sultanas or raisins, it’s a dessert that warms both your heart and your stomach. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying it for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees a delightful result.
Why You’ll Love Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a way to avoid food waste, celebrate simplicity, and indulge in a dish that feels like a warm hug. Here’s why it’s so special:
Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover bread and pantry staples.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or flavors to make it your own.
Comforting: Perfect for cold nights or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with cream, ice cream, or custard.
Ingredients for Bread and Butter Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient
Quantity
Notes
White bread, cubed
8 heaped cups
Slightly stale bread works best
Sultanas or raisins
1 cup
Add more if desired for extra sweetness
Egg Mixture
Ingredient
Quantity
Notes
Eggs
3
Provides richness and structure
Milk
1 1/2 cups
Use low or full-fat milk
Heavy cream
1 cup
Substitute with milk for a lighter option
Butter, melted
3 tbsp
Adds flavor and richness
White sugar
1/2 cup
Sweetens the pudding
Cinnamon powder
1 tsp
Adds warmth and spice
Vanilla extract
1 tsp
Enhances flavor
Finishes and Serving
Ingredient
Quantity
Notes
Butter, melted
2 tbsp + 1.5 tbsp
For drizzling before and after baking
Icing sugar
For dusting
Adds a touch of elegance
Toppings
Optional
Ice cream, custard, cream, or sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bread and Butter Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Prepare a baking dish (10 cups/2.5 liters) by lightly greasing it with butter.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add the cubed bread and sultanas to the bowl with the egg mixture.
Gently mix until all the bread pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 3 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, ensuring the sultanas are well-distributed. If too many sultanas are on the surface, gently push them below the top layer to prevent burning.
Step 5: Drizzle with Butter and Bake
Drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter over the top of the pudding.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly wobbly.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the pudding from the oven and brush with the remaining 1.5 tbsp melted butter for extra flavor and shine (optional).
Dust with icing sugar to add a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pudding rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite toppings like ice cream, cream, custard, or even chocolate sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Bread and Butter Pudding
1. Use Slightly Stale Bread
Slightly stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better, resulting in a richer texture. If your bread is fresh, lightly toast it before using.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
Taste the egg mixture before adding the bread. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, increase the sugar slightly.
3. Experiment with Add-Ins
Mix things up by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or orange zest for extra flavor.
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4. Bake to Perfection
Avoid overbaking as it can dry out the pudding. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
5. Serve Warm
Bread and butter pudding is best served warm to enjoy its creamy, comforting texture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on eight servings):
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
320
Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
14g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
22g
FAQs About Bread and Butter Pudding
1. Can I make bread and butter pudding in advance?
Yes! Assemble the pudding up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
2. What’s the best type of bread to use?
White bread, brioche, or challah are ideal for their soft texture and ability to soak up the egg mixture.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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4. Can I freeze bread and butter pudding?
Yes. Freeze the baked pudding in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before eating.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the milk, cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter.
6. What can I serve alongside bread and butter pudding?
Pair it with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or freshly whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Why Bread and Butter Pudding is a Timeless Favorite
Bread and butter pudding is a classic for a reason. It’s a dessert that combines nostalgia, simplicity, and incredible flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a midweek treat, it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Ready to Make Your Own Bread and Butter Pudding?
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and experience the joy of creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With this recipe, you’ll have a golden, creamy bread and butter pudding ready to impress in no time.
Golden, creamy, and delightfully nostalgic, bread and butter pudding transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this classic recipe delivers a heartwarming treat every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
8 heaped cups cubed white bread (slightly stale preferred)
1 cup sultanas or raisins
Egg Mixture
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk (low or full-fat)
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with milk for a lighter option)
3 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishes and Serving
2 tbsp melted butter (for drizzling before baking)
1.5 tbsp melted butter (optional for brushing after baking)
Icing sugar (for dusting)
Optional toppings: ice cream, custard, cream, or sauce
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish (10 cups/2.5 liters) with butter.
Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Soak the Bread:
Add the cubed bread and sultanas to the egg mixture.
Gently mix until the bread is well coated. Let sit for 3 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it out evenly, ensuring the sultanas are distributed. Push any exposed sultanas below the surface to prevent burning.
Drizzle with Butter and Bake:
Drizzle 2 tbsp melted butter over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly wobbly.
Finishing Touches:
Remove from the oven and optionally brush with 1.5 tbsp melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
Dust with icing sugar for an elegant finish.
Serve:
Let the pudding rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pair with ice cream, custard, or cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Notes
Bread Choice: White bread, brioche, or challah work best for their soft texture and absorbency.
Customizable Add-Ins: Experiment with chocolate chips, nuts, or orange zest for a unique twist.
Avoid Overbaking: The center should be set but retain a slight jiggle to keep the pudding moist.
Make Ahead: Assemble the pudding and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.