Welcome to our Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe.

Does the sight of slightly-past-prime bread send shivers down your spine? Fear not, fellow food friend, because today we turn that frown upside down with a recipe that’s as comforting as it is clever – Bread and Butter Pudding! This classic dish isn’t just a way to use up leftover bread, it’s a scrumptious symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine fluffy, buttery bread bathed in a creamy custard, all baked to golden perfection. Sound divine? It is! So ditch the bread-xiety and get ready to transform tired bread into a dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds (and thirds!). Let’s get baking!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe Ingredients:

Feeling overwhelmed with a loaf of bread past its prime? Don’t you dare toss it! This Bread and Butter Pudding recipe is here to transform your stale slices into a comforting and decadent dessert. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake!

• For the Bread Base:

  • Stale Bread (6-8 slices) – Day-old bread is perfect! Any kind of bread works, but brioche, challah, or Texas toast add a richer flavor.
  • Butter (1/2 cup, softened) – For spreading bread and adding richness to the custard.

• For the Creamy Custard:

  • Eggs (4 large) – The base that binds everything together.
  • Milk (3 cups) – Whole milk adds a creamier texture, but low-fat or skim milk can also be used.
  • Heavy Cream (1 cup, optional) – For an extra decadent custard, add some heavy cream.
  • Sugar (1/2 cup) – Sweetens the deal!
  • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm and inviting vanilla flavor.
  • Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional) – A touch of nutmeg adds a warm and slightly spiced touch (be careful, a little goes a long way!).
  • Salt (a pinch) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

• For the Finishing Touches (Optional):

  • Raisins (1/2 cup) – Classic addition for a touch of sweetness and texture.
  • Chopped Nuts (1/2 cup) – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch.
  • Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon) – A bright and citrusy twist.
  • Fresh Berries (for serving) – A delightful topping for a burst of fresh flavor.

Bread and Butter Pudding Instructions:

Ready to turn that leftover bread into a pudding masterpiece? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Get your oven nice and toasty at 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (around 9×13 inches) for easy serving.

2. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread slices into cubes or bite-sized pieces. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly dry and crisp. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy in the pudding.

3. Butter Up the Bread: While the bread is toasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan or bowl. Once the bread is toasted, toss it in the melted butter until evenly coated.

4. Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (and cream, if using), sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg (if using), and salt until well combined.

5. Assemble and Bake: In your prepared baking dish, spread out the buttered bread cubes. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread. Let the pudding sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb some of the custard.

6. Optional Additions: Now is the time to add any of your desired optional ingredients like raisins, chopped nuts, or lemon zest. Gently fold them into the pudding mixture.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the bread and butter pudding for 45-50 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.

8. Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further.

9. Serve and Savor: Enjoy your bread and butter pudding warm or at room temperature. Top with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat!

Bread and Butter Pudding Serving Suggestions:

This comforting and versatile dessert can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Warm and Wonderful: Serve bread and butter pudding warm from the oven for a truly comforting dessert experience. Top it with your favorite toppings.
• Refrigerated Delight: Bread and butter pudding can also be enjoyed chilled. Refrigerate leftovers for a cool and refreshing dessert later in the week.
• Elegant Brunch Option: Elevate your brunch game with bread and butter pudding. It’s a delicious and impressive way to use up leftover bread.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: This pudding can be assembled a day ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to step 6, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Why Bread and Butter Pudding Is a Great Leftover Recipe:

Bread and butter pudding is a champion for leftover magic! Here’s why it’s the perfect recipe to transform stale bread into a delicious and heartwarming dessert:

• Stale Bread Savior: This recipe is a fantastic way to prevent food waste. It breathes new life into leftover bread that might otherwise get tossed. Use any type of bread – white, wheat, sourdough, brioche – the possibilities are endless!

• Budget-Friendly Bonanza: Bread and butter pudding is an economical dessert. It uses simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand.

• Easy and Customizable: This recipe comes together quickly and easily with minimal prep work. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors. Love chocolate? Add some cocoa powder to the custard. Craving fruit? Fold in some chopped apples, pears, or berries.

• Comforting Classic: Bread and butter pudding is a timeless dessert that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The warm, creamy custard and soft, buttery bread create a delightful textural contrast and a flavor that everyone can enjoy.

• Leftover Love: Bread and butter pudding reheats beautifully. Leftovers can be enjoyed for a satisfying snack or dessert throughout the week.

So next time you find yourself with a loaf of bread past its prime, don’t despair! Whip up a batch of bread and butter pudding. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly way to reduce food waste, unleash your creativity, and create a dessert that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.