Bread and Butter Pudding, a timeless classic in the world of desserts, offers a delightful blend of simplicity and comfort. This traditional British dish transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary treat, merging the soft, pillowy texture of bread with the rich, creamy sweetness of custard. Perfect for cozy family dinners or as a heartwarming dessert on a chilly evening, this pudding is not just food but a slice of nostalgia.
In this recipe, we elevate the humble bread and butter into an indulgent pudding, layering buttered slices of bread with juicy raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a hint of warmth. The bread soaks in a luxurious custard made from a blend of milk, heavy whipping cream, and eggs, enriched with a touch of sugar. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside yet deliciously soft and moist inside, this Bread and Butter Pudding is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re new to this classic dessert or revisiting an old favorite, the ease and simplicity of this recipe make it a joy to prepare. Let’s embark on this culinary journey to create a comforting, sweet treat that promises to wrap you in its delightful flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (preferably a day or two old for better texture)
- ⅓ cup of raisins
- 2 tsp of cinnamon (ground)
- 1 ½ cups of milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
- ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tbsp of butter, softened (unsalted butter works best)
Instructions
- Preparation of Bread:
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices. This helps in creating a softer pudding.
- Generously butter one side of each slice. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the bread from drying out during baking.
- Cut the buttered slices in half diagonally, forming triangles. This shape allows for easier layering and a more attractive presentation.
- Layering the Dish:
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Arrange a layer of the bread slices in the dish, buttered side up. This ensures a crispy, golden top.
- Evenly sprinkle half of the raisins and cinnamon over this layer. The raisins add sweetness and texture, while the cinnamon contributes a warm spice flavor.
- Adding Second Layer:
- Place the second layer of bread on top, again buttered side up.
- Sprinkle the remaining raisins and cinnamon over this layer.
- Preparing the Custard Mixture:
- In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and heavy whipping cream. Be careful not to boil it; you just want it warm enough to temper the eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and ¼ cup of sugar together until well combined.
- Gradually add a small amount of the warmed milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This process, known as tempering, prevents the eggs from cooking and curdling.
- Once the egg mixture is tempered, whisk it back into the remaining milk mixture in the saucepan. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Completing the Assembly:
- Gently pour the custard mixture over the bread layers in the baking dish. Ensure that the liquid is evenly distributed.
- Let the dish sit for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a more cohesive pudding.
- Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Before baking, sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar over the top of the pudding. This will create a delightful, crispy top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the pudding is golden brown and set. The pudding should be slightly firm to the touch, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Serving:
- Let the bread and butter pudding cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- For an extra treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Bread and Butter Pudding, a perfect dessert for any occasion that brings comfort and warmth to the table!
Leave a Comment