Bread and butter pudding is a classic British dessert that is easy to make and delicious to eat. It is a great way to use up leftover bread and can be customized with different fruits, spices, and flavors.
In this recipe, I will show you how to make a bread and butter pudding with brioche, sultanas, lemon zest, and a rich custard, inspired by the famous chef and author Mary Berry. This pudding is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion and can be served with cream, custard, or ice cream.
What is Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe:
Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic British dessert that combines simplicity with rich flavors. This delightful pudding features brioche, sultanas, lemon zest, and a luscious custard, offering a comforting and satisfying treat.
Other Popular Recipes:
- Nigella Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding
- Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
- Mary Berry Chocolate Steamed Pudding
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is designed for effortless preparation, utilizing basic ingredients to create a dessert that’s accessible to all.
- Leftover Bread Solution: It presents an excellent solution for utilizing leftover bread, transforming it into a delectable treat for family and friends.
- Versatility: The recipe’s adaptability allows for customization with different fruits, spices, and flavors, catering to individual preferences.
- Rich and Creamy: Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding boasts a rich and creamy texture, complemented by a crispy top and a soft, moist interior.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this pudding is versatile and suitable for any season.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding
You need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- 1 x 300g (11oz) brioche loaf
- 50g (2oz) butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 100g (4oz) sultanas
- 3 tbsp demerara sugar
- 3 eggs
- 75g (3oz) caster sugar
- 150ml (5fl oz) double cream
- 600ml (1 pint) full-fat milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 small lemon, finely grated zest
Equipment
- 28cm (11in) wide-based round ovenproof dish
- Roasting tin large enough to place the dish in
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Pastry brush
- Measuring jug
- Measuring spoon
- Chopping board
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding
Follow these simple steps to make Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding:
How to Prepare the Brioche and the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/Gas 4 and grease the dish with a little butter.
- Cut the brioche loaf into 1.5cm (⅝in) slices and brush each slice with melted butter on both sides.
- Arrange the slices in a spiral in the buttered dish and scatter them over the sultanas.
How to Make the Custard
- To make the custard, place the eggs, caster sugar, cream, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a large bowl and whisk together by hand until well-mixed.
How to Assemble and Bake the Pudding
- Pour the custard over the brioche in the dish and gently press the exposed bread crusts down into the liquid.
- Sprinkle with the demerara sugar and leave to stand for about 30 minutes if time allows.
- Half-fill the roasting tin with boiling water, and place the ovenproof dish in this.
- Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until golden on top and puffed up. The layers will shrink down a little on cooling.
Serve the Pudding
- Serve warm with cream, custard, or ice cream.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding:
Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of accompaniments.
Some of the most popular options are:
- Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream adds a touch of richness and creaminess to the pudding.
- Custard: A classic British pairing, custard is a smooth and silky sauce that complements the texture and flavor of the pudding.
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor adds a refreshing and cooling contrast to the warm pudding.
- Fruit: Fresh or stewed fruit can add some natural sweetness and color to the dish. You can use berries, apples, pears, or any fruit that you like.
- Jam: A spoonful of jam can add some extra flavor and sweetness to the pudding. You can use any jam that you like, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or marmalade.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding:
Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding is a simple and easy dessert to make, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results.
Here are some of them:
- Use brioche bread for a richer and softer pudding. You can also use other types of bread, such as white bread, croissants, or panettone, but avoid using bread that is too dry or dense.
- Butter the bread slices on both sides to add more flavor and prevent them from drying out in the oven.
- Arrange the bread slices in a spiral in the dish to create a beautiful presentation and ensure even baking.
- Soak the bread in the custard for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the bread to absorb the liquid and the flavors.
- Bake the pudding in a water bath to prevent the custard from curdling or burning and to create a smooth and creamy texture.
- Sprinkle some demerara sugar on top of the pudding before baking to create a crunchy and caramelized crust.
Variations of Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding:
Explore delightful variations:
- Fruit Swaps: Try raisins, currants, cranberries, apricots, or cherries for diverse flavors.
- Spice Infusion: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or mixed spice for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Citrus Shift: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a subtle citrusy variation.
- Nutty Crunch: Introduce chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle chocolate chips or shavings for a decadent twist.
- Flavored Liquids: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut for unique undertones.
- Herbal Infusion: Infuse a subtle herbal note with additions like lavender or chamomile.
How do I store Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding Leftovers?
Storing leftovers of Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding is straightforward and ensures you can enjoy this delightful dessert even after the day it’s made.
Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Down: Allow the pudding to cool to room temperature after serving. Avoid leaving it out for too long to prevent bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled pudding into an airtight container. If the pudding is in a large quantity, consider dividing it into smaller portions for easy storage and reheating. Seal the container tightly to keep out moisture and other contaminants.
- Shelf Life: Stored properly, the bread and butter pudding should last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Remember that the texture may change slightly over time, with the bread absorbing more of the custard.
- Freezing (Optional): If you need to store the pudding for a longer period, it can be frozen. Wrap the pudding well in cling film or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding Leftovers?
Reheating Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding is easy and can be done in a way that preserves its rich texture and flavor:
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish.
- If the pudding appears dry, sprinkle a little milk or cream over the top to add moisture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave Method:
- For a quicker option, the pudding can be reheated in the microwave.
- Place a serving of the pudding on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or cling film, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it heats evenly.
- Be cautious as the pudding can become very hot quickly in the microwave.
Nutrition Value per Serving:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Sugars: 22 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Salt: 0.5 g
Other Pudding Recipes to Try
FAQs
What kind of bread can I use for bread and butter pudding?
You can use any kind of bread that is soft and slightly sweet, such as brioche, white bread, croissants, or panettone. Avoid using bread that is too dry or dense, as it will not absorb the custard well. You can also use stale bread, as it will soften in the custard.
Can I add other ingredients to bread and butter pudding?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to bread and butter pudding to make it more flavorful and interesting. Some of the most common additions are nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, spices, or citrus zest. You can also use different types of jam, syrup, or sauce to drizzle over the pudding before serving.