Laura Mariano
Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe – A Classic Comfort Dessert
Few desserts capture the essence of comfort quite like bread and butter pudding. This timeless British classic transforms humble stale bread into a rich, custardy delight. Buttered slices are layered with dried fruit and baked in a silky custard until golden on top and soft underneath. It’s nostalgic, budget-friendly, and perfect for gatherings, whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving something cozy on a weeknight. The beauty of this pudding lies in its versatility—you can keep it traditional or add modern twists like chocolate, marmalade, or spices. In this article, you’ll discover the recipe, pro tips, creative variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and FAQs to help you master this comforting dessert.
What Is Bread and Butter Pudding?
Bread and butter pudding is a baked dessert made by layering buttered bread slices in a dish, sprinkling dried fruit between them, and pouring custard over the top. The custard, made from milk, cream, eggs, and sugar, soaks into the bread, creating a creamy, indulgent texture.
The flavor profile is sweet, lightly spiced, and comforting, with hints of vanilla and citrus zest. The texture combines a soft, custardy base with a golden, slightly crisp top.
This dish is wonderfully versatile. You can use different breads—white, brioche, challah—or add flavorings like marmalade, chocolate chips, or spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. It pairs beautifully with cream, custard sauce, or ice cream, making it a dessert that adapts to any occasion.
History & Inspiration
Bread and butter pudding has deep roots in British cuisine, dating back centuries. Originally, it was a thrifty way to use stale bread, ensuring nothing went to waste. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort food, often served in homes and pubs across the UK.
Traditionally, the pudding was made with simple white bread, butter, milk, and eggs. Dried fruit like raisins or currants added sweetness, while nutmeg or cinnamon provided warmth.
In modern times, cooks have experimented with variations—adding marmalade for a citrusy glaze, chocolate for indulgence, or cream for extra richness. Despite these twists, the essence of the dish remains the same: transforming everyday ingredients into something special.
Today, bread and butter pudding is enjoyed worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity, nostalgia, and adaptability. It’s a dessert that bridges tradition and creativity, making it a staple for holidays, family meals, and cozy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy method.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
- Customizable with endless flavor options.
- Perfect for holidays or weeknight comfort.
Pro Tip: Use day-old bread for the best texture—it absorbs custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Pudding
- 8 slices of day-old bread (white, brioche, or challah)
- 50 g butter, softened
- 75 g dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, or currants)
- Zest of ½ lemon
For Custard
- 250 ml milk
- 300 ml cream
- 3 large eggs + 1 yolk
- 40 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 25 g demerara sugar (for topping)
- Marmalade glaze
- Pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Ingredient Tip: Brioche or challah adds richness, while plain white bread keeps it traditional.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Saucepan
- Oven thermometer
Tip: Grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Easy Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe | Classic Comfort Dessert
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Saucepan
- Oven thermometer
Ingredients
For Pudding
- 8 slices of day-old bread (white, brioche, or challah)
- 50 g butter, softened
- 75 g dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, or currants)
- Zest of ½ lemon
For Custard
- 250 ml milk
- 250 ml milk
- 3 large eggs + 1 yolk
- 3 large eggs + 1 yolk
- 40 g caster sugar
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 25 g demerara sugar (for topping)
- Marmalade glaze
- Pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Bread – Butter each slice and cut into triangles. Arrange in greased baking dish, sprinkling dried fruit and lemon zest between layers.
- Make Custard – Warm milk and cream in a saucepan. Whisk eggs, yolk, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Slowly pour warm milk mixture into eggs, whisking constantly.
- Combine – Pour custard over bread layers. Press bread lightly to soak. Sprinkle demerara sugar on top.
- Bake – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and custard is set.
- Rest & Serve – Let rest 10 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble pudding and refrigerate overnight; bake before serving.
- Variations: Try chocolate chips, marmalade glaze, or rum-soaked raisins.
- Serving Idea: Pair with custard sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Keeps 2–3 days in fridge; reheat gently in oven.
- Holiday Tip: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for festive warmth.
