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Welcome to our Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding recipe. This is the perfect way to reduce food waste.

Feeling guilty about that forgotten loaf of bread at the back of the pantry? Don’t toss it! This recipe for Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding is a testament to resourceful cooking, transforming stale bread into a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious dessert.

This classic recipe is a champion for reducing food waste, giving new life to dry or forgotten bread. Soaked in a creamy custard and studded with sweet additions like raisins or sultanas, Bread & Butter Pudding is a nostalgic dessert perfect for using up pantry staples.

Beyond its impressive waste-reducing abilities, Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding is surprisingly simple to make. It’s a great way to introduce children to baking or to create a heartwarming dessert without a lot of fuss. So preheat your oven, grab that forgotten bread, and get ready to experience the timeless comfort and deliciousness of Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

Check out this range of muffin tins that are perfect for this dish by clicking here.

Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding Recipe

Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding Recipe Ingredients:

This comforting and nostalgic dessert transforms leftover bread into a warm and satisfying pudding. Here’s what you’ll need to create this classic recipe:

For the Bread and Butter Layers:
- Bread (8-10 slices, preferably day-old) – Choose a soft bread that absorbs the custard well, like white bread, brioche, or challah.
- Butter (50g, softened) – Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread layers.
For the Creamy Custard:
- Eggs (4 large) – Eggs form the base of the custard, providing structure and richness.
- Milk (3 cups whole milk) – Milk creates a creamy and smooth custard base. You can substitute with half and half or cream for an even richer flavor.
- Sugar (1/2 cup granulated sugar) – Sugar sweetens the custard.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon) – Cinnamon adds a warm and comforting spice flavor.
- Nutmeg (pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, optional) – Nutmeg offers a subtle warmth and complexity to the custard.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and vanilla aroma.
Optional Additions:
- Raisins (1/2 cup) – Raisins are a classic addition, adding pops of sweetness and texture.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup) – Dried cranberries offer a tart and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pudding.
- Chopped Nuts (1/2 cup) – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon) – Lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing touch.

Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding Instructions:

Turning leftover bread into a delicious dessert is a breeze with these simple steps:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Bread and Butter: Cut the bread slices into cubes or squares. Spread the softened butter on each bread cube, ensuring even coverage.
Layer the Bread in the Dish: Arrange half of the buttered bread cubes in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Optional Additions: If using, sprinkle half of your chosen dried fruit, nuts, or lemon zest over the first bread layer.
Whisk the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and fruit layer in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it gets soaked with the custard.
Top with Remaining Bread: Arrange the remaining buttered bread cubes in a single layer over the custard. Scatter any remaining dried fruit, nuts, or lemon zest over the top.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the bread and butter pudding in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Rest and Enjoy: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set completely.
Serve Warm: Serve the Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or your favorite dessert sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding Serving Suggestions:

This comforting dessert can be enjoyed in several ways:

Warm Delight: Serve the pudding warm for the best flavor and texture experience. The warm custard and slightly crisp bread cubes are a delightful combination.
Make-Ahead Option: This pudding can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Prepare the pudding up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until baking.
Second Course Delight: Enjoy bread and butter pudding as a comforting and nostalgic second course after a light dinner.
Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve slices of bread and butter pudding with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Why Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding Is a Great Leftover Recipe:

Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding is a champion for reducing food waste and transforming leftover bread into a delicious and comforting dessert. Here’s why it shines:

Second Life for Bread: This recipe gives leftover bread a starring role, transforming it into a sweet and satisfying pudding. It’s a fantastic way to avoid food waste and use up bread that might otherwise get stale.
Budget-Friendly: Made with basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar, this is a budget-friendly dessert option.
Customizable and Adaptable: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Experiment with different dried fruits, nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips to personalize your bread and butter pudding.
Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and oven time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Comforting and Nostalgic: Bread and butter pudding is a classic dessert that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. The warm, gooey custard and soft bread cubes create a delightful textural contrast that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

So next time you find yourself with a loaf of bread past its prime, don’t reach for the store-bought cookies! Embrace the magic of leftovers and whip up a batch of Good Old Bread & Butter Pudding. It’s a testament to resourceful cooking, a delicious way to minimize waste, and a heartwarming dessert that will leave you feeling nostalgic and satisfied.

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