Are you ready to discover the magic of Bread and Butter Pudding? This delightful dessert transforms simple leftover bread into a warm, custardy treat that’s hard to resist! Join me as we explore everything from choosing the best bread to the most delicious toppings—you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart!
What You Need for Bread and Butter Pudding
Making Bread and Butter Pudding is super simple and fun! To whip up this delightful dessert, you don’t need a long shopping list. Just a few basic ingredients will do the trick!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: About 8 cups of your choice! I like using slightly stale plain white bread, but feel free to get creative with brioche or raisin bread for a twist!
- Cream and Milk: Grab 1 cup of heavy cream and 1.5 cups of milk (low or full-fat, just avoid that zero-fat stuff).
- Eggs: You’ll need 3 large eggs to create that custardy goodness.
- Sugar: I use 1/2 cup for sweetness, just enough to make it lovely without being overly sweet!
- Butter: About 40g (or 3 tablespoons) to melt and drizzle on top. More butter = better golden color!
- Sultanas or Raisins: 1 cup for a pop of sweetness!
- Flavorings: A sprinkle of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract really take it to the next level!
Having these ingredients ready to go is half the fun! It’s all about the simple pleasures that come together to create something fabulous. Plus, using leftover bread makes you feel a little like a kitchen magician, right? Why waste when you can create such a cozy dessert? Now, let’s get this pudding party started! 🍞✨
Choosing the Best Bread for the Recipe
When it comes to Bread and Butter Pudding, the type of bread you choose can make a world of difference! I mean, it’s right there in the title, right? So, let’s look at what I recommend!
- Plain White Bread: This is a classic choice! It absorbs the egg mixture beautifully and gives that perfect soft texture. Plus, using slightly stale bread helps it soak up all that custard goodness without turning mushy!
- Brioche or Challah: These buttery breads are a bit fancy but oh-so-delicious! They add a rich flavor and texture that can elevate your pudding to a whole new level. Trust me, it’s worth it if you have some on hand!
- Raisin or Cinnamon Bread: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using flavored bread! It adds a delightful twist and can make the dessert even tastier.
- Dinner Rolls or Buns: Got some leftover rolls? Perfect! Just tear them up and use them. You’ll get a lovely mix of crunchy bits and soft, custardy goodness.
What to Avoid:
- Very Stale Bread: If it’s so stale that it crumbles into crumbs, it’s not going to work for this recipe.
- Heavy, Chewy Breads: Avoid artisan breads like sourdough, unless you enjoy a firmer texture. They can be a bit too chewy for the pudding.
Choosing the right bread is half the fun! Remember, whatever bread you pick, just make sure it’s fresh enough to soak up that creamy mixture. Happy baking! 🍞❤️
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make It
Making Bread and Butter Pudding is like a cozy hug for your taste buds! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to enjoy!
What You’ll Do:
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 180°C (350°F). A warm oven is key to that golden crust!
- Prepare the Bread: Take your chosen bread and cut or tear it into 2.5 cm (1 inch) chunks. If it’s stale, this is super easy! If it’s fresh, just be gentle so it doesn’t fall apart.
- Make the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together:
– 3 eggs
– 1.5 cups of milk
– 1 cup of cream
– 1/2 cup of sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix it well until everything is combined.
- Soak the Bread: Gently mix the chopped bread into the egg mixture. Leave it to soak for about 3 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a baking dish (about 10 cups). If lots of sultanas or raisins are on top, poke them below the surface!
- Add Butter: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. It’ll give that lovely golden finish!
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes. It should be golden on top and still a bit wobbly in the center.
And voilà! You’ve just made a comforting dish that’s perfect to serve warm with your favorite toppings. Isn’t that easy? Happy baking! 🍮✨
Delicious Toppings to Enhance Your Pudding
Now that we’ve got our Bread and Butter Pudding all baked and ready, let’s talk about the fun part—toppings! This dish is like a blank canvas, just waiting for you to get creative!
Here are some of my favorite toppings that can take your pudding to the next level:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top of warm pudding is pure bliss! The creamy texture melts beautifully into the warm custard. Yum!
- Custard Sauce: Drizzling some rich custard over your dessert adds a silky finish. You can make it from scratch or use store-bought—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Cream or Mascarpone: A dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone adds a touch of luxury. They’re light, creamy, and deliciously indulgent!
- Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or even raspberries add a burst of color and flavor. Plus, they bring a refreshing contrast to the warm pudding!
- Sweet Sauces: Drizzle your favorite sauce, whether it’s chocolate, caramel, or maple syrup. A little sweetness never hurt anyone, right?
- Nuts: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a nice crunch!
Remember, toppings are totally personal! I love experimenting to find the perfect combo. What’s your favorite topping? Let me know! Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍨❤️
Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers
So, you’ve made a delicious Bread and Butter Pudding and there’s some left over—what a win! But now, what do you do with those tasty leftovers? No worries, I’ve got some handy tips to keep your pudding fresh and scrumptious!
Storing Leftovers:
- Cool First: Let your pudding cool completely before wrapping it up. This helps avoid condensation, which can make your pudding soggy!
- Cover It Up: Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover your pudding tightly. This keeps it from drying out and prevents any odd fridge odors from sneaking in.
- Fridge is Best: Store your pudding in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 4 to 5 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven Method: The best way to reheat is in the oven! Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place your pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it through without drying it out!
- Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Just pop a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check it halfway, so it doesn’t get too hot!
- Add Toppings Again: When reheating, feel free to add a bit of fresh cream or ice cream on top for extra yum!
So there you have it! Enjoy your leftovers as much as the first serving. Happy munching! 🍴💖