Bread and butter pudding is a comforting and classic dessert that brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked goodness. This delightful recipe transforms simple ingredients like bread, butter, eggs, and milk into a warm and luscious treat. The slices of white bread are generously spread with butter and arranged in a dish, creating layers of softness and texture. The currants and sultanas add a burst of sweetness that complements the creamy custard-like mixture.
To make the custard, eggs, milk, light muscovado sugar, and a pinch of mixed spice are whisked together until well combined. This flavorful mixture is then poured over the bread, allowing it to soak and infuse with the custard. The bread absorbs the sweet and creamy liquid, resulting in a moist and rich dessert.
After a short soaking time, the pudding is baked in the oven until it turns golden brown on top, while still maintaining a deliciously moist center. Once baked, the bread and butter pudding is served warm, with a drizzle of single cream to add a silky touch.
INGREDIENTS:
- 50g/2oz butter, softened
- 6 slices white bread
- 25g/1oz currants
- 25g/1oz sultanas
- 3 eggs
- 550ml/18fl oz milk
- 50g/2oz light muscovado sugar
- Pinch of mixed spice
- Single cream for drizzling
PREPARATIONS:
- Lightly grease a 1.2-litre/2pt ovenproof dish with a little of the softened butter.
- Use the remaining butter to spread evenly over each slice of white bread. Cut each slice in half diagonally.
- Arrange the bread slices in the greased dish, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle the currants and sultanas over the top.
- In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, light muscovado sugar, and mixed spice until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Leave it to soak for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4.
- Bake the pudding for 45–55 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly moist.
- Serve the bread and butter pudding warm, drizzled with single cream for an added touch of richness.
YIELD: Serves 6
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- You can customize the bread and butter pudding by adding other ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the custard mixture for extra flavor.
- For a twist, you can experiment with different types of bread such as brioche or challah, which will add richness and depth to the pudding.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of currants and sultanas according to your preference.
- Serve the bread and butter pudding immediately after baking for the best texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
Bread and butter pudding is a classic dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its simple yet satisfying combination of ingredients, this recipe transforms humble slices of white bread into a delicious and indulgent treat. The layers of bread, generously spread with softened butter, create a soft and tender texture that is complemented by the bursts of sweetness from the currants and sultanas.
To make the custard, eggs, milk, light muscovado sugar, and a pinch of mixed spice are whisked together, forming a creamy and flavorful mixture. The bread slices are then arranged in an ovenproof dish and the custard is poured over them, allowing the bread to soak and absorb the sweet and creamy liquid.
After a short soaking time, the bread and butter pudding is baked until it turns golden brown on top, with a moist and slightly gooey center. The comforting aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is irresistible. Once baked, the pudding is served warm, with a drizzle of single cream adding a silky and luxurious touch.
The beauty of bread and butter pudding lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can experiment with different variations by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture or using different types of bread such as brioche or challah for added richness. The choice is yours to customize and make this dessert your own.
Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or as a comforting dessert for a special occasion, bread and butter pudding is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Serve it as it is or with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.
