Introduction
Bread and butter pudding is a classic dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and delicious treat. It’s an excellent way to turn slightly stale bread into something irresistible, combining the textures of soft custard and crunchy topping. Here we’ll delve into the detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delightful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cups
– 8 heaped cups white bread, preferably slightly stale, cut into 2.5 cm / 1″ cubes
– 1 cup sultanas or raisins (or more!)
Egg Mixture:
– 3 eggs
– 1 1/2 cups milk (low or full fat, not zero fat)
– 1 cup heavy / thickened cream (or any other cream)
– 3 tbsp / 40g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Finishes / Serving:
– 30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for top pre-baking
– 20g / 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for brushing post-baking (optional)
– Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting
– Ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, etc.
Prep Time
Prep Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
With these ingredients and instructions, this bread and butter pudding is not only easy to prepare but also a delicious way to enjoy a favorite classic. The combination of eggs, milk, and cream creates a rich custard that envelops the bread, while the sultanas add a touch of sweetness. Serve it freshly baked with your choice of toppings for an unforgettable dessert experience!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), setting it to all oven types.
Prepare Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 3 eggs and whisk briefly. Add in the 1.5 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Soak Bread
Add the 8 heaped cups of cubed white bread and 1 cup of sultanas or raisins to the egg mixture. Briefly mix to ensure all bread is coated, then set aside for 3 minutes to allow the egg mixture to soak into the bread.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the soaked bread mixture into a baking dish that holds approximately 10 cups (2.5 liters or 2.5 quarts). If there are many sultanas on the surface, gently poke them below the surface to prevent over-browning.
Drizzle and Bake
Drizzle the top of the pudding with 30 grams (2 tablespoons) of melted unsalted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 – 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but slightly wobbly. Use a poke test to check for doneness.
Finish and Serve
If desired, brush the top with an additional 20 grams (1.5 tablespoons) of melted butter after baking. Dust with icing sugar for an elegant finish. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving with your choice of toppings, such as ice cream, custard, or cream.
Notes
1. Bread Selection
While plain white bread is traditional, you can use any bread like raisin bread, hot cross buns, or brioche. Avoid extremely stale or overly crusty artisan breads as they may not absorb the egg mixture correctly.
2. Cream Options
If you prefer to use only milk, substitute the cream with an additional egg for a total of 4 eggs and increase the milk to 2.5 cups to ensure setting.
3. Sultanas Placement
To prevent sultanas from browning too much, distribute them evenly within the mixture and poke any excess on the surface down into the mixture.
4. Buttering Techniques
Instead of pre-buttering the bread, mixing melted butter into the egg mixture allows for even distribution. Brushing with butter before and after baking enhances flavor and creates a golden crust.
5. Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. The pudding maintains its crunchy topping even when reheated in the microwave.
6. Nutrition Information
The nutrition information is based on 8 servings, excluding toppings. Adjustments can be made based on desired serving sizes or additional toppings like custard or ice cream.
Cook Techniques
Soaking Bread
To ensure that the bread absorbs the egg mixture properly, it should be cut into cubes and left to soak for about 3 minutes after mixing with the egg mixture. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures a moist pudding.
Layering Ingredients
When using pre-sliced bread, layer the slices in the baking dish slightly overlapping. This allows for even distribution of the egg mixture and sultanas, which is essential for consistent texture throughout the pudding.
Checking Doneness
To check if the pudding is done baking, look for a golden top and a slightly wobbly center. The pudding should not be too liquid; a gentle poke can help determine if the inside is set.
Brushing with Butter
Brushing the top with melted butter before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. An additional brush of melted butter after baking adds richness and enhances the appearance.
Choosing the Right Bread
The type of bread used can significantly affect the texture and flavor. Slightly stale white bread is ideal, but you can also use flavored breads like brioche or raisin bread, as long as they complement the dessert’s sweetness.
FAQ
Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but be gentle when mixing with the egg mixture to avoid turning it into mush. Slightly stale bread works better as it soaks up the liquid without disintegrating.
What if I want to make this gluten-free?
You can absolutely make a gluten-free version of this dish by using gluten-free bread. Just ensure that the bread is good quality for the best outcome.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. If made with chunks of bread, they will retain the crunchy topping even if reheated in the microwave.
Can I freeze the bread pudding?
While the recipe hasn’t been tested for freezing, you can freeze bread pudding. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
What toppings work best?
Popular toppings include ice cream, cream, custard, and various sauces like chocolate or caramel. These add additional richness and can complement the pudding’s sweetness.
Conclusion
This delectable Bread & Butter Pudding is a classic dessert that combines the richness of egg and cream with the delightful texture of slightly stale white bread and the sweetness of sultanas or raisins. Its versatility allows for various adaptations based on personal preference and available ingredients. Whether you serve it warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is sure to be a favorite among family and friends.
Using Different Types of Bread
Feel free to experiment with various types of bread such as brioche, hot cross buns, or even gluten-free bread for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Flavor Variations
Consider adding spices like nutmeg or even citrus zest for a refreshing flavor profile. You can also swap the sultanas or raisins for dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots.
Creative Toppings
Enhance your serving experience by topping with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkling of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pudding warm with a side of custard, vanilla ice cream, or a rich chocolate sauce to create a luxurious dessert experience.
Leftover Ideas
Transform leftovers into a breakfast treat by serving them cold with yogurt or reheating with a bit of milk for a cozy dessert option.
