There’s something truly special about diving into a warm, steaming dish of Bread and Butter Pudding. The golden-brown crust gives way to a luscious, custardy interior, while the sweet aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes. Each bite is a delightful balance of creamy sweetness and faintly spiced notes, creating a wonderfully indulgent treat. I find myself reaching for this recipe on chilly evenings or when I need a little comfort food to lift my spirits—it’s a hug in dessert form!
This scrumptious pudding comes together surprisingly fast, making it the perfect choice for an impromptu dessert after dinner or a cozy weekend treat. It’s also wonderfully versatile; you can serve it warm with a dollop of cream, a splash of custard, or even a scoop of ice cream. If by some miracle you have leftovers, they keep beautifully in the fridge for a few days, making for an even sweeter breakfast option!
WHY I LOVE BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
Ah, Bread and Butter Pudding—where do I begin? It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, hitting that sweet spot between fancy and homey. This dish is all about simplicity, but there’s an elegance to it that makes it a true winner at my table. With its rich flavor profile, it instantly transforms stale bread into a comforting dessert that everyone loves!
BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Bread and Butter Pudding truly lies in its simple yet harmonious ingredients. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Core Ingredients and Their Roles
- 6-8 SLICES OF DAY-OLD BREAD (WHITE OR BRIOCHE): The stars of the dish! They soak up the custard beautifully, becoming tender and delicious.
- 2 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED: Adds richness and flavor, helping the bread get that lovely golden hue.
- 3 LARGE EGGS: These help bind everything together, giving that classic custardy texture.
- 2 CUPS WHOLE MILK: Creamy and rich, it forms the base of the custard.
- ½ CUP HEAVY CREAM: This elevates the dish to indulgent levels; it’s the secret to luxuriously creamy custard!
- ½ CUP GRANULATED SUGAR: Sweetens the pudding, balancing the richness of the butter and cream.
- 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT: A little splash of warmth and comfort with every bite.
- ½ TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON: Adds a hint of spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ CUP RAISINS OR DRIED CRANBERRIES (OPTIONAL): These little gems pack a mighty punch of tartness, adding a delightful contrast!
- 1 TABLESPOON GRANULATED SUGAR (FOR TOPPING): Creates a beautiful, crunchy crust.
- ½ TEASPOON GROUND CINNAMON (OPTIONAL, FOR TOPPING): Extra warmth for those who love a little spice!
- POWDERED SUGAR (FOR DUSTING, OPTIONAL): A sweet finishing touch.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy swaps:
- Instead of white or brioche bread, try ** challah** or even good old sourdough for a tangy twist.
- Use almond milk in place of whole milk for a lighter version (though it won’t be quite as rich).
- Prefer fresh fruit? Toss in chopped apples or pears instead of dried fruit for a seasonal touch.
A practical tip: if you’re short on time, let the bread soak for just a bit rather than overnight. You’ll still get a lovely result, just be sure to keep an eye on it while baking!
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula (for mixing)
- Sharp knife (for cutting bread)
HOW TO MAKE BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
Let’s dive into creating this cozy Bread and Butter Pudding. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, and follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. We’re aiming for a beautifully set, custardy pudding with a golden top.
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your butter and spread it generously on each slice of bread. Cut the slices into triangles or squares; this will make layering in the baking dish easy!
Layer the Bread
Next, layer the buttered bread in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, placing them snugly together. If you’re using raisins or cranberries, sprinkle them between layers for bursts of fruity goodness!
Whisk Up the Custard
Now, into a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until combined. This step is key, so you want it nice and smooth!
Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, ensuring each piece is thoroughly soaked. Press down gently with a spatula to make sure they all get some love!
Add Crunchy Topping
Mix 1 tablespoon sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle it evenly over the top. This is where you’ll get that gorgeous brown crust as it bakes!
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and the custard is set. You want that perfect balance of crisp on top and creamy underneath—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Cool and Dust
Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and just wait until you see everyone’s eyes light up!
HOW TO STORE BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), this dish holds up surprisingly well. Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave slices for a quick fix!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use stale bread for the best texture; fresh bread can turn mushy.
- Don’t skimp on the soaking time—give it a good 20-30 minutes for the bread to absorb the custard.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the custard for an adult twist!
- Allow to cool slightly before serving; the pudding continues to set as it cools.
- Perfectly positioned in the baking dish—overlapping a bit is totally okay for achieving extra crunchy bits!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve warm with a drizzle of thick custard or cream.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a delightful chill!
- For a refreshing contrast, garnish with fresh berries.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy gathering.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar for that café-style presentation!
This Bread and Butter Pudding is not just a dish; it’s a tradition, a sweet memory, and a testament to the fact that we can create magic even from leftovers. So, gather your friends or family, and let this easy recipe bring joy to your table!
