BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING
Bread and Butter Pudding is surely the ultimate transformation of leftover bread! A classic comfort dessert, it’s custardy on the inside, golden and buttery on top. The only question is this: what will you serve it with? Ice cream, cream, custard – or something else?
I remember the first time I had Bread and Butter Pudding. I was really cynical. Stale bread for a dessert?? It sounded ridiculous.
How wrong I was. And how happy I was. Like a pig in mud, shovelling that moist, custardy pudding smothered in……..hmmm. I can’t remember. Probably ice cream. That’s my favourite. No wait, custard is my favourite. Homemade Custard. Can’t beat that.
No wait. Homemade Ice Cream and Homemade Custard. Ahhh. That is the ultimate combination, surely!!!
As I was doing my usual background research before sharing my Bread and Butter Pudding recipe, I was interested to learn that it’s called Bread Pudding in the States and there’s a quite well known New Orleans / Southern(?) version that is served with a sweet Bourbon Sauce.
This is Bread and Butter Pudding as we know it here in Australia, a classic English dessert. One key difference between this Australian/English version and the American version is that this – well, at least mine – uses far less sugar. I only use 1/2 cup of sugar compared to around 1 1/2 – 2 cups for the same quantity of bread in American versions.
I really think 1/2 cup of sugar is sweet enough, especially because this is the sort of dessert that really does need to be served with some kind of sauce or ice cream. So that provides extra sweetness.
Speaking of toppings!!! So I’ve already rattled on about ice cream and custard, but let’s not stop there! Cream is another obvious option, but the way I look at it, basically any sweet sauce goes great with Bread and Butter Pudding. Maple syrup, golden syrup, even honey, chocolate sauce, strawberry or other sweet sauces. You could even thin out a jam with hot water to turn that into a syrup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bread and Butter Pudding is a delightful way to make use of leftover bread, turning it into a rich and comforting dessert. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile with the choice of toppings.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, at room temperature
- 5 slices crust-on white bread
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
- Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a cup and set aside.
- Generously spread butter or margarine on one side of each bread slice.
- Cut each slice diagonally in half to form triangles.
- Arrange the triangles in your baking dish, slightly overlapping, with the buttered side up and the cut edges facing the same direction to create a spiral.
- As you arrange the bread, sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture and raisins.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the milk mixture over the bread and raisins in the baking dish.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve the pudding warm in individual bowls, plain or with cream poured over it.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old bread for best results, as it absorbs the custard mixture better.
- Ensure the bread is well coated with the milk mixture for a moist pudding.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Consider using chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a twist.
- Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a richer pudding.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dessert is a comforting treat that is lower in sugar compared to many traditional versions, making it a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use whole wheat bread? Yes, whole wheat bread can be used for a healthier twist.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze Bread and Butter Pudding? Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic dessert that’s perfect for those cozy evenings when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Give this recipe a try and let the warmth and sweetness comfort you. I would love to hear about your experiences and any creative twists you add. Happy baking!