Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe – a Classic Dessert With a Twist

March 29, 2025

Elevate your bread and butter pudding by using day-old brioche, which excels at soaking up rich, creamy custard thanks to its soft, buttery texture. Start by buttering each slice generously, then arrange them with delicious add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins for a unique twist. Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, and a dash of vanilla and nutmeg to create a luscious custard. Use a water bath to keep it creamy and bake until golden and set. With calorie considerations in mind, you'll find each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Explore further to perfect your dessert creation.

Key Components: Brioche Bread

essential ingredients for brioche

When it comes to making a delightful bread and butter pudding, the choice of bread is essential, and brioche is often the star. Its soft, buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor elevate your dessert to new heights.

Here's why brioche should be your go-to option:

  1. Flavor: Brioche's subtle sweetness complements the rich, creamy custard, creating a harmonious blend.
  2. Texture: Its tender crumb soaks up the custard effortlessly while maintaining a delightful chewiness.
  3. Versatility: Brioche pairs well with various add-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts to personalize your pudding.
  4. Presentation: The golden, glossy crust enhances the visual appeal of your dish, making it as inviting as it's delicious.

Choose brioche, and transform your pudding into a masterpiece.

Use Day-Old Brioche Bread

Using day-old brioche bread in your bread and butter pudding is a smart choice for achieving the perfect texture.

The slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dessert.

Plus, it's a great way to reduce food waste by giving leftover bread a delicious new purpose.

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Perfect Texture Achieved Easily

Achieving the perfect texture in bread and butter pudding often hinges on your choice of bread. Day-old brioche is your best friend for this dessert. Its slightly stale state allows it to soak up the custard without becoming overly soggy.

You'll find that using day-old brioche strikes a balance between creamy and structured, giving your pudding the desired consistency. When you cut the brioche into even slices, you guarantee uniform soaking and baking.

The airy, buttery nature of brioche means it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully, creating a soft yet firm texture. You don't want a mushy mess, so resist the temptation to use fresh bread.

With day-old brioche, you're setting the stage for a pudding that holds together perfectly while melting in your mouth.

Enhances Flavor Profile

Brioche not only perfects the texture of your bread and butter pudding but also elevates the flavor to new heights. Its rich, buttery taste complements the creamy custard, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

When you use day-old brioche, the slightly stale texture allows it to absorb the custard more effectively, intensifying the flavors. You'll notice a delightful depth that fresh bread might miss.

The buttery notes of brioche harmonize with vanilla, nutmeg, or cinnamon, letting each ingredient shine without overpowering the others. As you dig into the pudding, you'll encounter a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Reduces Food Waste

Every loaf deserves a second chance, and using day-old brioche in your bread and butter pudding is a delicious way to reduce food waste. Instead of tossing out stale bread, transform it into a delightful dessert.

Brioche, with its rich, buttery texture, absorbs the creamy custard mixture beautifully, creating a pudding that's both moist and flavorful.

By choosing day-old brioche, you're not only saving money but also embracing sustainability. It's a simple step to minimize waste in your kitchen.

Plus, the slightly hardened bread holds up better during baking, resulting in a satisfying texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

guided process breakdown

Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a classic bread and butter pudding is simple and rewarding. Follow these detailed steps to make a delicious dessert that will impress your family and friends.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Description: Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools to guarantee a smooth cooking process.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Sliced bread (preferably day-old)
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Raisins (optional)
  • Nutmeg or cinnamon
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tip: Use stale bread as it absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer pudding.

2. Preheat the Oven

Description: Set your oven to the correct temperature before starting.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Oven
  • Tip: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees even baking from the start.

3. Butter the Bread

Description: Spread butter generously on each slice of bread.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Butter knife
  • Butter
  • Tip: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy spreading.

4. Layer the Bread

Description: Arrange the buttered bread slices in the baking dish.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Baking dish
  • Tip: Overlap the slices slightly to fit them snugly in the dish and for even soaking.

5. Prepare the Custard

Description: Mix the custard ingredients in a bowl.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract
  • Tip: Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Avoid over-beating the eggs to prevent a foamy custard.

6. Add Raisins (Optional)

Description: Sprinkle raisins between bread layers for added sweetness.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Raisins
  • Tip: Soak raisins in warm water for a few minutes to plump them before adding.

7. Pour the Custard

Description: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the bread layers.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Custard mixture
  • Tip: Pour slowly to guarantee the bread absorbs the custard. Press down gently with a spatula to submerge the bread.

8. Sprinkle with Nutmeg or Cinnamon

Description: Add a dash of spice on top for extra flavor.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Nutmeg or cinnamon
  • Tip: Use freshly grated nutmeg for a more intense aroma.

9. Bake the Pudding

Description: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until golden.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Tip: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

10. Cool and Serve

Description: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving.

  • Tools/Ingredients:
  • Serving plates
  • Spoon
  • Tip: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream for added indulgence.

Gather Necessary Ingredients

To make a delicious bread and butter pudding, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. You'll need day-old bread, preferably brioche or challah, for a rich texture.

Butter each slice generously, enhancing its flavor. Next, measure out eggs and sugar, which will create a custardy base. Don't forget milk and heavy cream for a creamy, luscious consistency.

Vanilla extract will add warmth, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. For a twist, include dried fruits like raisins or currants, which will plump up during baking.

If you're feeling adventurous, zest an orange or lemon for a citrusy kick. Finally, grab some cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of spice, and you're all set to start your pudding masterpiece!

Baking in a Water Bath

When preparing to bake your bread and butter pudding, consider using a water bath for even cooking.

Start by preheating your oven to the required temperature. Place your pudding dish into a larger, deep baking pan. Carefully pour hot water into the larger pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of your pudding dish. This water bath will distribute heat evenly, preventing the pudding from drying out or curdling.

Ascertain the water doesn't splash into the pudding by pouring slowly. Once set up, place the entire setup into the preheated oven.

Bake for the specified time in your recipe, checking occasionally to ascertain the water bath hasn't evaporated. This method guarantees a creamy texture and evenly baked dessert, enhancing the pudding's classic appeal.

Calorie Content Per Serving

As you indulge in a classic bread and butter pudding, it's important to contemplate its calorie content per serving. This dessert, while delicious, can be calorie-dense due to ingredients like butter, sugar, and cream. Understanding the nutritional content can help you enjoy it mindfully. Here's a breakdown of the typical calorie content:

Ingredient Quantity (per serving) Calories
Bread 1 slice 80
Butter 1 tablespoon 100
Sugar 2 tablespoons 96
Whole Milk 1/2 cup 76
Eggs 1 large 70

Conclusion

You've now mastered the art of making a delightful bread and butter pudding with a twist, using day-old brioche for that extra richness. Don't forget, each serving is just around 300 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Did you know this classic dessert dates back to the early 18th century? Imagine sharing a slice of history with every bite. Enjoy the blend of traditional and modern flavors, and impress your guests with this timeless treat!