If you’re searching for a comforting dessert that somehow feels like a warm hug from your childhood, then you absolutely must try this Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe. Infinitely charming in its simplicity, this pudding transforms humble slices of buttered bread into a luscious, custardy delight with a golden, caramelized top. The gentle dance of cinnamon, creamy custard, and plump sultanas makes this dessert an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family on any cozy occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Each component brings something unique: the bread forms the soft yet sturdy base, butter adds rich indulgence, and the custard mixture binds it all with sweet creaminess infused with warm spice.
- 8 slices white bread: Stale or day-old bread works best as it soaks up custard without falling apart.
- 30g butter, softened: Spreading softened butter on the bread adds that essential richness and helps create the signature golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons sultanas: These sweet, juicy dried grapes add delightful bursts of flavor throughout the pudding.
- 2 eggs: Eggs are the key to setting the custard, giving the pudding its creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk: Milk provides the base for the custard, keeping it light and smooth.
- 1 cup cream: Cream ups the decadence and gives the pudding its luscious mouthfeel.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Warm cinnamon infuses subtle spice and cozy depth.
- ¼ cup white sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the spices and rich custard flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional): A splash of vanilla deepens the aroma and rounds out the taste.
- 1 teaspoon icing sugar, for dusting: A final touch that offers a pretty presentation and just a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Butter the Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C with fan baking. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter to ensure nothing sticks. Next, trim the crusts off your bread slices and cut each slice in half. Spread softened butter generously over each piece—this buttery layer is what helps form that irresistible golden, crisp surface when baked.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Sultanas
Lay the buttered bread pieces into your prepared dish in slight overlapping layers, creating a lovely structure that will hold the custard. Scatter the sultanas between layers, so each bite surprises you with sweet pops of flavor that contrast beautifully with the creamy custard.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla essence if you’re using it. This custard mixture is the lovely, silky sauce that soaks into the bread, making everything irresistibly moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Rest Before Baking
Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and gently press the slices down to encourage absorption. Let the pudding rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard fully—this step ensures every bite is creamy and tender.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the pudding in your preheated oven for around 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is just set in the center. You’ll know it’s ready when it quivers slightly but isn’t liquid.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once out of the oven, dust your pudding lightly with icing sugar for an elegant finish. This final sprinkle adds a delicate sweetness and makes it look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pudding warm is key to enjoying its full charm. A dusting of icing sugar adds a lovely visual appeal. For a bit of extra indulgence, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm custard. Fresh berries can brighten the plate and add a zingy contrast to the rich pudding.
Side Dishes
Though decadently satisfying on its own, this classic dessert pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Consider fresh whipped cream or crème anglaise to enhance the creamy textures. A cup of strong tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the sweetness beautifully and rounds out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe, try baking it in individual ramekins for personalized portions that look charming on any dinner table. You can also experiment by adding sliced apples or a handful of toasted nuts between layers for extra flavor and crunch, making the dish your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The custard tends to firm up and the bread will soak more, so it’s best enjoyed within this time window for optimal texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the pudding in a sealed container for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing is convenient for making ahead, but note that the custard texture may soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 160°C until heated through. Avoid overheating, as the custard can curdle. Serving it warm revitalizes the pudding’s creamy texture and enhances its delicious aroma.
FAQs
Can I use wholemeal bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Wholemeal bread will give your pudding a nuttier flavor and a denser texture. Just be sure it’s slightly stale so it absorbs the custard well without becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for sultanas?
If you’re not a fan of sultanas, you can easily swap them with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even fresh berries. Each option adds its own unique burst of sweetness to the pudding.
Is it necessary to remove the crusts from the bread?
Removing the crusts makes the pudding more uniform and tender, but if you prefer rustic textures, you can leave them on. Just know the edges might be a little chewier.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
You can adapt this Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe by using plant-based milk and cream alternatives, dairy-free butter, and a vegan egg substitute like flax eggs. The texture will differ slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I know when the pudding is done baking?
The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the custard is just set in the middle—it should still have a slight wobble without being runny. Underbaking will leave it too soggy, and overbaking can dry it out.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe never fails to bring warmth and nostalgia to any table. It’s an extraordinary example of how a few simple ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly special. Next time you crave a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, give this recipe a whirl—you might just discover a new favorite to cherish for years to come.
PrintClassic Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
This Classic Bread and Butter Pudding is a comforting and traditional British dessert made by layering buttered bread slices with sultanas, soaked in a rich custard mixture, and baked until golden and creamy. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and optionally flavored with vanilla, it’s an easy-to-make, nostalgic treat served warm, ideal with custard or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread and Layers
- 8 slices white bread
- 30g butter, softened
- 3 Tbsp sultanas
Custard
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cream
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)
Finishing
- 1 tsp icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake. Grease a baking dish thoroughly with some softened butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Prepare the Bread: Remove the crusts from the bread slices, then cut each slice in half. Spread each piece generously with softened butter. Arrange the buttered bread pieces in the baking dish, slightly overlapping them to form layers.
- Add Sultanas: Scatter the sultanas evenly between the layers of buttered bread to add bursts of sweetness and texture throughout the pudding.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, white sugar, and vanilla essence if using, until smooth and well combined. This custard mixture will soak the bread and create the luscious texture of the pudding.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread in the baking dish. Press down gently on the bread slices so they absorb the custard and are fully soaked.
- Rest Before Baking: Allow the dish to sit for about 5 minutes so the bread can soak up the custard thoroughly before baking.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the pudding is golden on top and just set in the center. Avoid over-baking to keep it moist and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, dust the pudding with icing sugar. Serve warm, ideally accompanied by custard or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- Removing the crusts ensures a softer texture throughout the pudding.
- Butter the bread generously to enhance flavor and help the pudding brown beautifully.
- You can swap sultanas for raisins or dried cranberries depending on preference.
- Resting the pudding before baking helps the custard soak the bread better, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the cream amount.
