Bread and Butter Pudding

Story behind the dish

There’s something utterly comforting about a warm slice of bread and butter pudding, especially when it’s filled with fragrant cinnamon and sweet sultanas. This classic dessert hails from vintage European kitchens, where every bite invites cozy memories and nostalgic flavors. Perfect for weekend brunch or a delightful end to a dinner gathering, this pudding transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, comforting treat.

Imagine your kitchen filled with the aroma of toasted bread, cinnamon, and sweet cream—surely a smell that stirs feelings of home and happiness. Each spoonful offers a tender, custardy bite crowned with a golden crust, making it impossible not to ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 oz (25 g) butter
• 8 thin slices bread
• 2 oz (50 g) sultanas
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 12 fl oz (350 ml) milk
• 2 fl oz (50 ml) double cream
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 1 oz (25 g) sugar
• Grated nutmeg, to taste

Step-by-step

1. Grease a 1-liter (2-pint) pie dish with butter.
2. Remove the crusts from the bread, then spread one side of each slice with butter. Cut the slices into triangles.
3. Arrange a layer of bread, buttered-side up, in the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of sultanas, then sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Repeat the layering: bread, sultanas, cinnamon until all bread is used. Finish with a top layer of bread.
4. Gently warm the milk and cream in a pan over low heat until just scalding—avoid boiling.
5. Crack the eggs into a bowl, add three-quarters of the sugar, and whisk until pale and slightly thickened.
6. Slowly pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the eggs, stirring constantly. Strain the custard into a bowl.
7. Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread. Sprinkle with nutmeg and the remaining sugar.
8. Allow to stand for 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
9. Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F, Gas Mark 4).
10. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• Serve warm with a drizzle of extra cream or a splash of warm vanilla sauce.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra nutmeg or cinnamon just before serving to enhance the aroma.

Closing thoughts

There’s something heartwarming about baking this bread and butter pudding—each step, from layering to baking, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that reminds us how humble ingredients can come together to create pure comfort. Whether enjoyed leisurely with family or served as a cozy end to a dinner party, this pudding is sure to become a treasured favorite.