Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is a luxurious dessert that combines the tender, buttery layers of brioche with a rich, velvety custard, baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect centerpiece for special occasions, dinner parties, or as a sumptuous treat for a family dessert night.
Designed to serve 6-8 people, this pudding comes together in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s not just about indulging in its creamy, comforting flavors but also about enjoying the simplicity and elegance it brings to your table.
In this article, I will walk you through making Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding, step by step, complete with all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your dessert is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
What is Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding?
Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is a classic dessert reimagined with a luxurious twist. It combines slices of buttery brioche bread with a rich custard, baked to golden perfection. The result is a sumptuous, moist pudding with a lightly crisped top, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Elegance: This recipe elevates traditional comfort food into a refined dessert, perfect for any occasion.
- Effortless Preparation: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, creating this pudding is a breeze.
- Versatility: Suitable for both casual family dinners and formal gatherings, its appeal is universal.
- Comforting Flavors: The warm, rich custard paired with the tender brioche offers a comforting taste experience.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
You need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- 10 slices of brioche bread, preferably a day-old
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional for serving: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
To make Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding follow, these simple steps:
Step 1: Preparing the Brioche
- Butter the Bread: Spread each slice of brioche bread generously with unsalted butter. Cut the slices in half diagonally to create triangles.
- Arrange in Dish: Layer the buttered brioche triangles in a large, greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly for a snug fit.
Step 2: Creating the Custard
- Mix the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking
- Pour Over Brioche: Gently pour the custard mixture over the arranged brioche slices, ensuring all pieces are evenly soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving. This step helps the pudding set, making it easier to slice.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding?
- Fresh Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich pudding.
- Berry Compote: Serve with a side of warm berry compote for a fruity twist.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a classic pairing.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the pudding with powdered sugar before serving.
- Hot Custard: Pouring hot custard over the pudding enhances its comforting warmth.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
- Stale Brioche Works Best: Using day-old brioche allows the bread to absorb more of the custard without becoming soggy.
- Customize Your Custard: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allowing the brioche to properly soak in the custard mixture is key to a moist pudding.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife in the center of the pudding; it should come out clean when the pudding is done.
Variations of Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
- Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips between layers for a decadent treat.
- Fruit-Filled: Add layers of thinly sliced apples, pears, or peaches for a fruity variation.
- Nutty Flavor: Mix in a handful of toasted almonds or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Savory Twist: For a savory version, omit the sugar and add grated cheese and cooked bacon between the brioche layers.
How to Store Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding Leftovers
- Cool Completely: Ensure the pudding is at room temperature before storing it to prevent condensation.
- Refrigerate Properly: Transfer the pudding to an airtight container or cover the baking dish with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: For longer storage, wrap the pudding well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding Leftovers
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, portion the pudding and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition value per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Fat: About 18-22g (Saturated Fat: 10-12g)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g (Sugars: 20-25g)
- Protein: Around 8-10g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 150-175mg
- Sodium: About 200-250mg
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1-2g
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Brioche for This Pudding?
Yes, you can use regular bread as a substitute for brioche in this pudding recipe. However, brioche is preferred for its rich buttery flavor and tender texture. If using regular bread, opt for a denser type, like challah or a thick-sliced white loaf, to mimic the luxurious feel of brioche.
How Do I Know When the Bread and Butter Pudding Is Fully Baked?
The pudding is fully baked when the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A good test is to insert a knife or a skewer into the center of the pudding; it should come out clean, indicating that the custard has cooked through. This usually takes about 35-45 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Can This Pudding Be Made in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding a day in advance. Assemble the pudding and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the brioche to fully absorb the custard, resulting in an even more flavorful dessert. Bake it just before you’re ready to serve for the best experience.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for This Recipe?
Yes, for a dairy-free version of this pudding, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with your preferred plant-based alternatives. Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk paired with a dairy-free cream substitute works well. Keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, but the pudding will still be delicious and comforting.
Final Words
Creating Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is not just about following a recipe; it’s an invitation to indulge in the simple pleasures of home-cooked desserts. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and comforting warmth, this pudding stands as a testament to the joy of baking. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a cozy treat on a quiet evening, it promises to delight and satisfy. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the love with which it is prepared.
Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy the pudding!