You can prepare a delightful bread pudding using ingredients you already have at home.
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert that transforms stale bread into a delicious treat. It’s a classic recipe loved in the UK for its simplicity, rich flavor, and the fact that it prevents food waste by making good use of leftover bread. Here’s how you can prepare a delightful bread pudding using ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ingredients
To make a traditional bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 slices of stale bread (preferably white or whole wheat)
- 50g butter (for greasing and spreading)
- 350ml milk
- 50ml double cream
- 2 large eggs
- 100g sugar (caster or granulated)
- 50g sultanas or raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp demerara sugar (for sprinkling)
Preparation steps
Step 1: preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F, gas mark 4. Grease a baking dish (approximately 20×20 cm) with a bit of butter to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick.
Step 2: prepare the bread
Cut the stale bread into triangles or cubes. Stale bread works best as it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. Lightly butter each slice of bread on one side.
Step 3: arrange the bread
Arrange half of the bread slices in the prepared baking dish, buttered side up. Sprinkle a portion of the sultanas or raisins over the bread layer. Add a bit of ground cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Repeat with another layer of bread and the remaining sultanas.
Step 4: make the custard mixture
In a saucepan, gently warm the milk and cream over low heat. Do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale and frothy. Add the vanilla extract for added flavor. Gradually pour the warm milk and cream mixture into the eggs, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
Step 5: combine and soak
Pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and sultanas. Make sure all the bread pieces are well soaked in the mixture. Allow it to stand for about 20 minutes so that the bread absorbs the custard fully.
Step 6: bake
Sprinkle the top with a bit of demerara sugar for a crunchy, caramelized finish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean if the pudding is ready.
Step 7: serve
Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly. This dessert can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of custard.
Tips and variations
- Flavor enhancements: for a richer taste, you can add a splash of brandy or rum to the custard mixture. A handful of chocolate chips or a grating of nutmeg can also elevate the flavor.
- Fruit additions: experiment with different dried fruits like apricots or dates. Fresh fruits like apples or berries can also be added for a fresh twist.
- Bread choices: while white bread is traditional, you can use brioche, croissants, or even leftover panettone for a more luxurious pudding.
This classic UK recipe is perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or whenever you have stale bread on hand. Enjoy your homemade bread pudding and the satisfaction of reducing food waste in a delicious way!
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