Delicious Bread Pudding Recipe: Easy & Quick to Make
Greetings my dear readers,
I am thrilled to share with you one of my favorite English desserts – the English-Style Bread Pudding. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I can confidently admit that this old-fashioned dessert is a staple in any British household. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a favorite for many people.
This quintessential pudding is the perfect comfort food, with its creamy texture, cinnamon spice aroma and soft bread chunks soaked in vanilla-infused milk. Bread pudding has been a beloved dessert in Britain for centuries since it was first created as a way to use up leftovers and stale bread.
The English-Style Bread Pudding takes an already amazing recipe and elevates it to another level by using traditional British sliced white bread, which adds a delicate texture to the dish. This pudding is an excellent way to use up any leftover bread you have and enjoy it as a delightful dessert.
Get ready for a mouth-watering experience that will transport you to the heart of England where the smell of cinnamon spice reigns supreme. Join me on this culinary journey as I guide you step-by-step on how to make a warm, comforting and delightful dish that your family and friends will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about a comforting dessert that takes you back in time with just one bite. If you’re feeling nostalgic or just looking for a new dessert to add to your repertoire, this English-style bread pudding recipe is a must-try.
Why will you love this recipe? Well, first of all, it’s easy to make. You don’t need any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. All you need are some basic ingredients like old English bread, full-fat milk, butter, sugar and dried fruit. The preparation is also simple and straightforward, making it the perfect dessert for busy weeknights or weekend brunches.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can swap out the dried fruit for chocolate chips or mixed berries to create a different flavor profile. You can also use hot cross buns or cinnamon raisin bread instead of plain white bread to add an extra layer of complexity and flavor.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the way it tastes. The warm, gooey texture of the bread pudding mixed with the sweetness of the vanilla and sugar is simply divine. It’s the perfect ending to any meal, whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party.
So if you’re looking for a classic British dessert that will transport your taste buds back in time, look no further than this English-style bread pudding recipe. Your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe after just one bite!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for our English-style bread pudding recipe. You’ll need:
Pudding Ingredients:
- 16 slices of old English or white bread, cut into 1-2 inch cubes
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice
- 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, mixed peel, and/or chocolate chips)
Optional Variations:
- Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding: replace the white bread with cinnamon raisin bread
- Hot Cross Bun Pudding: replace the white bread with hot cross buns
- Berry Bread Pudding: replace the white bread with raspberry or banana bread
For Serving and Pairing:
- Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving
Note that this recipe uses full-fat milk and heavy cream for a rich, indulgent pudding. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat options. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and dried fruit to your taste preferences.
The Recipe How-To
The Ingredients you will need:
- 16 slices of white bread, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 cup of raisins
- 4 cups full-fat milk
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tbsp mixed spice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- A knob of butter
Step 1: Making the Bread Pudding
To start making the pudding, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a large baking dish with the knob of butter.
Take a large bowl and combine the cut white bread, raisins, sugar, and mixed spice. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Now take a small mixing bowl and beat the eggs lightly, add whole milk and vanilla extract.
Pour this mixture over the bread mix and stir well. Leave it for at least an hour to soak up most of the liquid.
Step 2: Baking the Pudding
Transfer the pudding mixture to your greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crisped on top.
Step 3: Serving
Serve this English-style bread pudding warm. Optional toppings include a variety of dessert sauces such as chocolate chips, whipped cream, or raspberry or berry sauce. You can also add some fresh fruits like banana slices or sprinkle some cinnamon raisins over it for an extra bite.
Enjoy your unique twist on classic British cuisine!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about English-style bread pudding is that it is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of different ways to put your own spin on this classic dessert. Here are some substitution and variation ideas to consider:
– Bread: While traditional British bread pudding is made with old English or white bread, you can use any type of bread you have on hand for this recipe. Try using cinnamon raisin bread for a sweeter version or berry bread for a tart twist.
– Milk: I recommend using full-fat milk for the creamiest results, but you can also use 2% milk if you prefer. For an even richer pudding, swap out some of the milk for heavy cream.
– Dried Fruit: Raisins are the classic choice for English-style bread pudding, but you can also experiment with other mixed dried fruit like mixed peel, dried berries, or even chocolate chips.
– Spices: Mixed spice is a key ingredient in traditional British bread pudding and typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. If you don’t have access to mixed spice, try using 1 tablespoon of cinnamon instead. You can also experiment with adding other warm spices like ginger or cloves to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
– Butter: Use unsalted butter if you want control over how salty your pudding turns out. A knob of butter can be melted and poured over the top of the bread pudding just before baking for an extra-buttery finish.
– Sweetener: Swap out some or all of the sugar in the recipe for honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that these sweeteners may affect the color and texture of your finished pudding.
Try out these substitutions and variations to make your very own unique version of a British classic!
Serving and Pairing
The English-Style Bread Pudding is a warm and comforting dessert that is best served fresh out of the oven. You can enjoy it on its own or paired with some delicious accompaniments to take it up a notch.
To serve, drizzle some creamy double cream or hot custard over the top for an indulgent treat. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor.
If you want to elevate your experience, pair your bread pudding with a flavorful beverage like coffee, tea, or even an after-dinner sherry. The rich and sweet flavors of the pudding complement these drinks perfectly.
For a more unconventional approach, try serving your bread pudding with fruity jams or preserves. The tartness from the berries and the sweetness from the pudding work incredibly well together, making for a tasty combination.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not pair your English-style bread pudding with another classic British dessert? It may sound crazy, but for example, the bread pudding goes surprisingly well with hot cross buns.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your bread pudding, one thing’s for sure – this dessert recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and indulge in this comforting dessert with your loved ones!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know that one of the biggest advantages of recipes is being able to plan ahead and save time, especially when it comes to preparing desserts. With this English-style bread pudding recipe, you can definitely make it ahead of time and store it for later.
If you’re planning to make this pudding dessert in advance, here’s what you should do. After following all the steps and letting your bread pudding cool down completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure that there are no air pockets left to prevent freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped pudding in an airtight container or a resealable freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to two months.
When you’re ready to serve the bread pudding, take it out of the freezer and unwrap it. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325ËšF (160°C) and place your bread pudding on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. You can add extra butter on top for added flavor. Cover with foil and bake for around 30 minutes or until hot all the way through. You can remove the cover during the last 10 minutes so that the top becomes crispy and golden brown.
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply use a microwave-safe dish or heat individual servings in a saucepan over low heat with a couple tablespoons of whole milk.
Remember that reheated desserts never taste quite as good as fresh ones, but this recipe’s heartiness and soulful flavors mean that you’ll enjoy reheating this pudding dessert almost as much as you enjoyed eating it fresh out of the oven!
Tips for Perfect Results
The key to a delicious English-style bread pudding is all in the preparation. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect result every time.
First, it’s important to use stale bread for this recipe. Fresh bread will not absorb the custard mixture properly and will result in a soggy, unappetizing pudding. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, cut your fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out overnight to dry out.
Next, be sure to use full-fat milk. Skim or low-fat milk will not give you the rich, creamy flavor that is essential in a bread pudding.
When pouring the custard mixture over the bread cubes, make sure every piece of bread gets coated with the liquid by stirring well. This will ensure that every bite is moisture-rich and flavorful.
For an extra decadent twist, try adding chocolate chips or mixed peel to your pudding. Chocolate chips will melt into gooey pockets of sweetness while mixed peel adds a tangy fruity flavor.
When baking your pudding, don’t overcook it or it will become dry and tough. Check it often and remove it from the oven as soon as the edges start to brown and the custard is set.
Finally, always serve your English-style bread pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
FAQ
As we wrap up this English-style bread pudding recipe, I’d like to take a moment to address some of the most commonly asked questions about it. Don’t worry; whether you’re a seasoned baker or an enthusiastic beginner, there’s no such thing as a silly question! Let’s dive into these FAQs, so you can feel confident in your ability to create an exceptional bread pudding that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to make bread pudding Jamie Oliver?
For this recipe, we are going to need some ingredients that truly represent the essence of British cuisine. You will need 600 ml of semi-skimmed milk, 200 ml of double cream, and 400 ml of single cream. We will also be using one vanilla pod, four medium free-range eggs, 170 g of caster sugar, six hot cross buns sliced in half, and a knob of butter to spread on the buns. These ingredients will be skillfully blended together to create a delightful and traditional British dish. So, let’s get started!
How does Gordon Ramsay make bread pudding?
To make a delectable British-style dessert, you’ll need some softened butter, apricot jam, pains au chocolat sliced to a thickness of 1cm, ground cinnamon, demerara sugar, golden raisins, whole milk, and double cream. Make sure to grease the baking dish with butter, so that the bread pudding does not stick. Then, spread apricot jam over the slices, sprinkle cinnamon, demerara sugar, and raisins over it, and pour in the milk and cream.
What is Irish bread pudding made of?
For this recipe, we will need about 10 cups of French bread that has been cubed into half-inch pieces. Optional additions include half a cup of raisins, or if you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with chocolate chips. The dish is topped off with a delicious Irish Whiskey Caramel Sauce made of 3/4 cup of heavy cream mixed with sugar, vanilla extract, a can of evaporated milk and two lightly beaten eggs.
What can I use instead of suet in bread pudding?
When suet is not available, it’s suggested to use grated vegetable shortening as an alternative. Brands like Trex, Crisco, or Copha work well. To achieve grated vegetable shortening, simply freeze a stick or block of it for 30 minutes until it’s firm, but not completely solid.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this English-Style Bread Pudding recipe is a must-try for all the dessert lovers out there. The combination of creamy custard, crunchy crust, and plump raisins is simply irresistible. Whether you are looking for a cozy treat for your weekend breakfast or an indulgent dessert to impress your guests, this pudding recipe has got you covered.
With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is perfect for beginners and experts alike. You can also experiment with various substitutions and variations to make it even more delicious.
So why not give this British classic a try and experience the taste of old England in your own kitchen? Trust me; once you taste this decadent dessert, you’ll fall in love with this bread pudding recipe forever!
English -Style Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat milk (or half and half cream)
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 8 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter, softened (no subs)
- 1 loaf white bread (1 pound loaf, sliced into about 1/2-inch, crusts removed, use day-old bread)
- 1 cup raisins (can use more or less)
Instructions
- Set oven to 350°F.
- Set oven rack to second-lowest position.
- Prepare a 9-inch baking dish.
- For the cream custard: combine the milk and whipping cream in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan; bring to a simmer; remove from heat.
- In a bowl whisk together vanilla, egg yolks and 1 cup sugar (can use less sugar if desired) and blend well.
- Gradually whisk in hot cream mixture into yolk mixture until well combined; set aside.
- Spread 1/4 cup soft butter on bottom and sides of baking dish.
- Arrange about 1/3 of the bread slices in a single layer over bottom of prepared dish (trimming to fit).
- Sprinkle half of the raisins over bread.
- Cover with another single layer of bread slices.
- Sprinkle the remaining raisins over the bread.
- Layer with remaining bread slices (you should have three layers of bread with 2 layers of raisins).
- Pour the cream custard over the bread and let stand for about 5 minutes until custard is absorbed (about 5-6 minutes).
- Position rack to second-lowest position.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until custard thickens and begins to set.
- Remove from oven and set to broil.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over hot pudding.
- Place under broiler heat for 2 minutes, or until sugar browns (rotating dish for even browning, watch closely as sugar will burn).
- Serve warm.
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.