Classic Bread and Butter Pudding

Classic Bread and Butter Pudding is a traditional British dessert that turns humble, everyday ingredients — bread, butter, eggs, milk, and sugar — into a luscious, creamy, and heartwarming pudding. Layers of buttered bread are soaked in a rich vanilla custard, baked until golden, and served warm with a soft, creamy interior and a perfectly crisp top.

It’s the kind of dessert that brings comfort on a cold day, nostalgia to the dinner table, and joy with every bite. A true example of how simplicity can yield elegance and depth of flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it reminds me that simple can be extraordinary. There’s something magical about how leftover bread transforms into a custardy masterpiece — soft underneath, golden and crisp on top.

The contrast between the silky vanilla custard, buttery bread, and the subtle sweetness of raisins or sultanas makes this pudding irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Uses simple pantry ingredients yet feels luxurious.
• A great way to use up stale bread — no waste!
• Comforting, nostalgic, and deliciously versatile.
• Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings in.
• Customizable — you can add fruits, chocolate, or spices to suit your taste.

This pudding is a true classic — once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever threw out old bread again!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

Serves 6 people

Calories

Approximately 310 calories per serving

Cuisine

British (Traditional English Dessert)

Course

Dessert

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 6–8 slices day-old white or brioche bread
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup raisins or sultanas (optional but traditional)

For the Custard Mixture:

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• A pinch of salt

For Topping:

• 1 tbsp demerara or brown sugar (for caramelized crunch)
• A light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon (optional)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Butter slices of bread and layer in a baking dish with raisins.
2. Make a simple vanilla custard by whisking milk, cream, eggs, and sugar.
3. Pour custard over the bread and let it soak.
4. Sprinkle sugar on top and bake until golden and set.
5. Serve warm with cream, custard, or ice cream.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish.
3. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
4. Cut each slice diagonally into triangles (for easy layering).

Step 2: Layer the Bread

1. Arrange half of the buttered bread slices, butter side up, in the dish.
2. Sprinkle half of the raisins over the bread.
3. Layer the remaining bread on top, followed by the rest of the raisins.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard

1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a saucepan, gently warm milk and cream (do not boil).
3. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine into a smooth custard.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

1. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread.
2. Gently press the bread down with the back of a spoon to ensure it soaks up the custard.
3. Let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature to allow full absorption.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

1. Sprinkle the top with demerara sugar and a pinch of nutmeg (optional).
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve the pudding warm, straight from the oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pour warm custard or vanilla sauce over it.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use slightly stale bread: It absorbs the custard better without getting mushy.
• For extra flavor: Add a handful of orange zest, a splash of rum, or vanilla bean paste.
• Don’t overbake: The custard should be just set and creamy, not dry.
• Soak longer for richer texture: Letting it rest before baking gives a smoother pudding.
• Use brioche or croissants for a more decadent twist.

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: Sprinkle chocolate chips between layers instead of raisins.
2. Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding: Add thinly sliced apples and a dash of cinnamon.
3. Marmalade Bread Pudding: Spread orange marmalade on the bread before layering.
4. Brioche & Cream Version: Use brioche or challah bread for an ultra-rich pudding.
5. Savory Version: Skip the sugar, add cheese, herbs, and vegetables for a savory bread pudding.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave gently.

Freezing:

• Bread and Butter Pudding can be frozen before or after baking.
• Before baking: Assemble and freeze (covered tightly) for up to 2 months.
• After baking: Cool completely, wrap in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium baking dish (8×8 or 9×9 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly first.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use almond milk or oat milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Q3: Can I use other types of bread?
Yes — brioche, croissants, or challah work wonderfully for a richer texture.

Q4: Why is my pudding soggy?
It may not have baked long enough. Make sure the custard is mostly set before removing from the oven.

Q5: How do I know it’s done baking?
The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean (but slightly creamy).

Conclusion

Classic Bread and Butter Pudding is a timeless dessert that celebrates simplicity at its finest. With buttery layers, creamy custard, and golden caramelized edges, it’s the definition of comfort food.

Whether enjoyed plain, with custard, or a drizzle of cream, this pudding is the perfect way to end a meal on a warm, nostalgic note. It’s proof that you don’t need extravagant ingredients to create something truly special — just love, patience, and a little butter.