Bake a Blissful British Bread Pudding Today
Well, hello there! Are you looking for a wholesome and delicious British dessert recipe that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth? Then let me introduce you to the best British Bread Pudding Recipe you’ll ever taste.
This dish has been passed down from generation to generation, with its roots steeped deep in traditional British cuisine. It combines the most basic of ingredients, some old fashioned bread and butter, with a rich and creamy custard, before being baked to perfection. The result? A mouth-watering pudding that will leave you craving more.
This recipe is an old-time classic, perfect for those cold winter evenings or holiday get-togethers with family and friends. You can make it your own by adding in your favorite dried fruits, raisins, or mixed peel. With each bite, you’ll be transported to a cozy family kitchen where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air.
So why not give this recipe a try? Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never look back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a sweet, comforting and traditional British dessert? Look no further! This British bread pudding recipe is the answer to all your cravings. It’s a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries in British kitchens.
The texture of this pudding is what sets it apart from other desserts. The combination of custard-soaked bread, dried fruits like raisins, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate any bread – be it old fashioned, whole wheat, French or even vegan.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily accessible the ingredients are. You can quickly whip up this pudding with simple pantry staples like milk, butter, eggs, and day-old bread. Not only is it effortless to make, but the simplicity of the ingredients makes this dessert affordable and accessible to everyone.
This dessert also has a unique history embedded in it. Dating back many years to when housewives would use leftover stale bread and turn into something new and wonderful. So not only are you enjoying a delicious dessert, but you’re also getting a glimpse into British culinary traditions.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make while being comforting and delicious at the same time then look no further than this traditional British Bread Pudding recipe.
Ingredient List
Making the Perfect British Bread Pudding requires the perfect set of ingredients. The following list will guarantee you the best results for a classic recipe that will make your taste buds go wild. Make sure you have the following to get started:
- 1 1/2 lb (600 g) of stale white bread or whole wheat bread (16 thick slices from a large loaf)
- 1/4 cup (60 g) of butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1/4 cup (50 g) of brown sugar
- 3 cups (700 ml) of whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (75 g) of mixed dried raisins and mixed peel
- 2 tbsp of mixed spice
- 2 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
If you’d like to experiment with different types of bread, consider trying French bread, old fashioned bread and butter or even vegan bread. Keep in mind that traditional British pudding recipes work best with stale bread or day-old homemade bread.
The Recipe How-To
Now, gather around folks as I share with you the recipe on how to make one of the most delicious and traditional British desserts that ever was. This bread pudding recipe is perfect for every occasion and simple enough to make. Don’t let the thought of making a pudding from scratch intimidate you. It’s easy peasy lemon squeezy!
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Let us start by preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing the bread. Grab your old-fashioned loaf, whether it’s a stale white, whole wheat or raisin bread – go ahead, use whatever kind of bread you like.
Cut 16 slices thickly and spread butter on each slice. Cut away the crusts before cutting them into triangles or squares.
Step 2: Whisk Together Pudding Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, take 3 cups (600ml) of whole milk, three eggs, ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, 2 teaspoons each of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon mixed spice or ground allspice, and whisk everything together.
Mix in approximately 1 cup (175g) dried fruit-raisins or currants work well; add some mixed peel if it appeals to your taste buds.
Step 3: Assemble Pudding
Grease a baking dish measuring about 9 x13 inches with butter, then set the buttered bread triangles/squares at an angle in rows, building them up as you go along.
Pour over enough of the batter mixture to cover each layer nicely, letting it soak in for around 10 minutes before adding another layer until all of your ingredients have been used up.
The top layer should be covered with no custard on show.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for approximately 40 minutes, periodicaly checking until the custard has set but still has a bit of wobble when you give it a gentle shake.
Take out of the oven and leave to cool. Dust the top of your pudding with an extra 1-2 tbsp brown sugar before serving.
This recipe makes 12-16 servings – share it with your friends or family and delight in the heavenly taste of this traditional British bread pudding.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations that you can try with this traditional British bread pudding recipe.
First off, you can switch up the bread that you use. While white whole wheat bread is a popular choice, you can also use French bread or brioche for a richer taste. Raisin bread or homemade bread will add more depth to the flavors as well.
If you want to reduce your dairy consumption, you can try making this pudding with almond or soy milk instead of whole milk. You can also whip up a vegan bread pudding by using coconut oil or vegetable shortening instead of butter, and flaxseed or applesauce as an egg substitute.
For those who prefer a more fruity flavor, you can replace raisins with other mixed dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots. Adding mixed peel or orange zest will also give the pudding a tangy kick.
To add a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not turn this old-fashioned bread and butter pudding into a dessert masterpiece? Try serving it with whipped cream or drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra indulgence factor.
Remember, while traditional British bread pudding is delicious on its own, don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it!
Serving and Pairing
Oh, dear reader, let me tell you about the delightful serving and pairing options for our traditional British Bread Pudding recipe. This bread pudding recipe is truly fit for any occasion and will have your guests drooling for more.
Firstly, let’s talk about serving. This warm and comforting pudding can be served hot or cold and is equally enjoyable either way. Hot out of the oven, the warmth of the custard bread and butter pudding fills your soul while being complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. Alternatively, if you prefer things a little chilled, refrigerate it overnight and enjoy it as a cool and refreshing dessert.
As for pairing options, you can never go wrong with a classic cup of tea in true British fashion. A savory Earl Grey tea or a bold English Breakfast tea will perfectly complement the sweetness of the pudding. If you are looking for something a little stronger to pair it with, I suggest a glass of sherry or perhaps even a whiskey to really take things up a notch.
But wait, there’s more! The great thing about this recipe is that it can also be enjoyed at breakfast time with a cup of coffee or a steaming hot cocoa to start your day off on the right foot.
So whether it’s after dinner, at breakfast time or any time in between – our traditional British Bread Pudding recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have this delicious British Bread Pudding ready, it’s time to talk about how you can make things even more convenient for yourself. If you’re anything like me, then you know that anything that saves time in the kitchen is always welcome.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it for future use. This is especially useful if you’re looking for a quick breakfast option during the week or if you plan on serving a crowd for a weekend brunch.
To make this dish ahead of time, all you need to do is prepare the ingredients as per step 4 and refrigerate the pudding overnight. The next day, remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come up to room temperature. Once it’s at room temperature, pop it into an oven preheated at 375°F and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set.
When storing leftovers, be sure to cover your pudding with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
And when reheating the leftover pudding, simply cut your desired portion size and microwave on medium heat for one minute or until heated through. Alternatively, you can place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated.
So take advantage of this recipe’s flexibility and convenience by making it ahead of time, storing leftovers properly and reheating whenever hungry strikes!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients on hand and are ready to make a traditional British Bread Pudding, let me give you some helpful tips to achieve perfect results every time:
1. Use day-old or stale bread
One of the best parts about this British Bread Pudding recipe is that it’s a fantastic way to use up old bread. Using stale white, whole wheat, or raisin bread works best as the bread has been allowed to dry out somewhat, making it perfect for absorbing the custard mixture.
2. Soak the bread for at least 30 minutes
Don’t rush through this step. Properly soaking the bread allows it to absorb all the flavors from the custard mixture, resulting in a moist and delicious pudding. I like to let my bread soak in the milk and egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
3. Cut your bread into thick slices
The thickness of your bread slices can impact how well they hold up against the custard mixture while baking. Thick slices of bread work better, helping your pudding stay together and making it easier to cut into portions.
4. Add mixed dried fruit for extra flavor
Raisins are a classic ingredient in British Bread Pudding, but you can also add in other mixed dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for additional flavor and texture.
5. Use whole milk
For a rich and creamy pudding, use whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk. The higher fat content will help add flavor and make your dessert more indulgent.
6. Cut back on sugar for a healthier option
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider cutting back on the brown sugar quantity. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Sucralose.
7. Cover with foil during baking
To prevent your pudding from drying out during baking, cover it with aluminum foil until it’s almost fully cooked. Then, remove the foil for the final 10-15 minutes of baking to achieve that classic golden brown crust.
By following these tips, I’m confident you’ll create a delicious and authentic British Bread Pudding. Remember to experiment with different dried fruits, bread types, and milk options to make this classic comfort dessert uniquely yours.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this delicious British Bread Pudding, it’s time to answer some of the frequently asked questions about this recipe. Here are some tips and answers that will help you get through the process with ease and enjoy the final outcome of your efforts.
What makes a British pudding a pudding?
In the world of culinary terminology, the word “pudding” has dual meanings. While American puddings are akin to a type of creamy dessert known as “custard,” British puddings are a bit more diverse. In Britain, pudding refers to either a sweet or savory dish that is traditionally cooked by either boiling or steaming it inside a container such as a dish, cloth or even the intestine of an animal.
How does Gordon Ramsay make bread pudding?
To prepare this delectable British dish, we will need softened butter and some extra to grease the dish. We will also require apricot jam, pains au chocolat cut into slices 1cm thick, ground cinnamon, demerara sugar, golden raisins, whole milk and double cream. Make sure the butter is soft and the pains au chocolat are sliced evenly to get the right texture and flavor. The raisins should be of good quality and the milk and cream should be whole to get the perfect creamy consistency.
What is the great British pudding?
British puddings are the ultimate source of warmth and coziness for dessert lovers. From rich and syrupy sticky toffee pudding to the classic pub favorite, steamed syrup sponge, these decadent treats are the perfect way to cap off a satisfying meal. Indulge in the comforting taste of British cuisine from the comfort of your own home.
How to make bread pudding Martha Stewart?
Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Cut 12 ounces of brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of milk and 3 cups of heavy cream. In another bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 large egg yolk. Add 1 cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to the egg mixture, and mix until well combined.
Bottom Line
Now that I have shared with you all the details about this delicious British Bread Pudding recipe, I am confident that you will agree with me: it’s the best dessert ever! This dessert is one of the most traditional British puddings, and when you taste it, you will understand why it’s so loved.
Not only is this recipe easy to make but also affordable, and you can easily find all the ingredients in your local market. Plus, you can make some substitutions and variations depending on what you have available in your pantry. Whether you use white bread or whole wheat bread or even brioche bread, you are sure to get a mouth-watering dessert.
I hope that this article has inspired you to try this recipe out for yourself. Get creative with the ingredients and make the perfect British Bread Pudding that suits your taste buds! The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with delicious custard-soaked bread bites will fill your room and lure everyone into the kitchen eager to dig into this timeless classic dessert!
So go ahead, gather up all your ingredients, put on your apron, and get baking! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turned out by leaving a comment below. Trust me; once you take that first bite, there’s no turning back!
British Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 1/4 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried mixed fruit
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees for a metal pan or 350 degrees for a glass pan.
- In a large bowl combine bread and milk and soak for 5 minutes.
- Stir in egg, butter, fruit/raisins, brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Mix well.
- Press into a 9 inch greased square pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Leave in pan to cool.
- Cut in squares.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.