Name: Bread and Butter Pudding with Sultanas and Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491111H38M19S
Total time: PT-491111H38M19S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 8 heaped cups white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 2.5 cm / 1″ cubes (or 12 thick-cut or 14 normal pre-sliced sandwich bread slices, cut in half into triangles); 1 cup sultanas or raisins; 3 eggs; 1 1/2 cups milk (low or full fat, not zero fat); 1 cup heavy / thickened cream (or substitute with more milk, see notes); 3 tbsp / 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for drizzling before baking; 20g / 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for brushing after baking (optional); Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting; Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or toppings of choice

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to make a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a chilly day, the Bread and Butter Pudding with Sultanas and Cinnamon Recipe is your go-to. This traditional British treat manages to be both simple and indulgent, with soft cubes of bread soaked in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard, studded with juicy sultanas that add bursts of sweetness. It’s the ultimate way to transform humble pantry staples into something spectacularly cozy and delicious, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick square piece of bread pudding sitting on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bread pudding has a golden brown crust with visible soft, light beige inner layers showing its texture. On top, there is a large scoop of plain white ice cream starting to melt and drip down the sides of the bread pudding. A shiny silver spoon is pressing gently into the ice cream scoop. Surrounding the bread pudding on the plate are three red strawberries, one sliced in half showing its juicy red inside and green leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this pudding is in its humble list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering classic flavor and texture. From the bread that forms the pudding’s soft yet structured base, to the sultanas that offer little jewels of sweetness, every item is essential and easy to find.

White bread (8 heaped cups, cubed): Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up the custard without turning mushy.
Sultanas or raisins (1 cup): These add natural sweetness and a chewy contrast to the creamy pudding.
Eggs (3): They bind the custard together and give the dish its rich texture.
Milk (1 1/2 cups): Provides the liquid base and lightness to the custard.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds luscious richness and creaminess.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp melted for mix, plus extra for topping): Incorporates buttery flavor evenly while giving the top a golden crust.
White sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering.
Cinnamon powder (1 tsp): Brings warm, fragrant spice that elevates the entire dessert.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness with a comforting aroma.
Icing sugar (for dusting): A final touch that adds a pretty, delicate finish.
Optional toppings: Ice cream, cream, custard, or sauces like chocolate or caramel to serve alongside.

How to Make Bread and Butter Pudding with Sultanas and Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the oven and egg mixture

First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, whisk the eggs briefly to break them up. Then add the milk, cream, melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, whisking everything together until smooth. This creamy custard mixture will soak into the bread cubes and sultanas, making the pudding irresistibly tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Soak the bread and sultanas

Gently fold the cubed bread and sultanas into the egg mixture. Allow the bread to soak for about 3 minutes so it absorbs all that lovely custard without becoming too soggy. This step is key to getting that perfect balance between custardy softness and slight bread texture that makes this pudding so special.

Step 3: Transfer to baking dish and prepare for baking

Transfer the soaked mixture into a buttered baking dish of about 10 cups (2.5 litres). Make sure the sultanas aren’t all on top to avoid over-browning; if they are, just gently poke some down beneath the surface. Then drizzle the top with melted butter. This helps create a beautifully golden, crisp top once baked.

Step 4: Bake until golden and set

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pudding’s top is golden and slightly crisp, but the inside remains softly set with a tiny wobble in the center. This tender custardy texture is exactly what you want, and the smell filling your kitchen by now will be delightfully irresistible!

Step 5: Finish and serve

Optionally brush the warm pudding with some extra melted butter for an indulgent shine and extra buttery flavor. Dust generously with icing sugar before resting it for a few minutes. Serve warm with your choice of ice cream, custard, cream, or even drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce — each option works beautifully.

How to Serve Bread and Butter Pudding with Sultanas and Cinnamon Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish filled with a baked bread pudding that has a golden brown, slightly crunchy top layer with raisins scattered throughout. The bread pieces form about three thick, uneven layers, with the edges browned and toasted, while the middle parts look soft and moist. Three round scoops of white ice cream sit on top, slightly melting into the warm pudding beneath. A silver spoon scoops a portion from the right side, revealing the soft inner texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar covers the top, adding a delicate white contrast against the warm browns. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For garnishing, a light dusting of icing sugar adds a snowy, sweet finish that complements the cinnamon aroma perfectly. You might also sprinkle a pinch more cinnamon on top or scatter a few whole sultanas for that extra hint of sweetness and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This pudding pairs wonderfully with traditional British custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to melt over the warm dessert. Freshly whipped cream is another classic side that adds softness and helps balance the cinnamon spice. For a more decadent option, drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over each serving to elevate the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties. Layer toasted nuts or a crumble topping for added crunch and texture variation. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with a spiced fruit compote to infuse more fruity brightness alongside the rich custard flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pudding keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. Store it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve that moist, custardy texture while maintaining the slightly crisp top when reheated.

Freezing

This pudding freezes very well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Freezing is a great way to make this dessert ahead for busy days or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual servings for about 1 to 2 minutes until warm and soft with a slightly crisp surface. Alternatively, a gentle oven heat at 160°C (320°F) for 10-15 minutes restores its golden crust and creamy center beautifully. Adding a brush of melted butter before reheating helps revive that signature buttery top.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this pudding?

Absolutely! While white bread is classic, croissants, brioche, or even raisin bread work wonderfully and add unique textures and flavors. Just avoid bread that’s too dense or rock hard to ensure it soaks nicely in the custard.

What if I want to make this pudding dairy-free?

You can substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.

How do I prevent the sultanas from burning?

Make sure sultanas aren’t all on the top surface before baking. Gently push some down into the custard layer so they stay moist and don’t over-brown during baking, keeping that lovely chewy texture intact.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Sure! Nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger blend beautifully with the warm custard flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the subtle sweetness and vanilla notes.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, use a good-quality gluten-free bread, and this pudding will work just as well. The key is to choose a gluten-free bread that holds its structure and soaks in the custard effectively.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so instantly heartwarming about a well-made Bread and Butter Pudding with Sultanas and Cinnamon Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly special. Whether you’re making it for your family or guests, this pudding is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So go ahead, bake a batch, and savor every creamy, cinnamon-kissed bite!