mary berry bread and butter pudding
Mary berry bread and butter pudding is a classic British dessert made with layers of buttered bread, raisins, and sultanas. These layers are then soaked in a mixture of eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Once baked to perfection in the oven, it comes out golden brown and irresistibly delicious!
Why people also love mary berry bread and butter pudding
it’s a simple recipe that uses basic ingredients most people have at home. Secondly, it is versatile and can be served hot or cold, on its own, or with cream or custard. Lastly, its rich texture and comforting flavors are reminiscent of childhood memories for many, making it a nostalgic dish that evokes warm and happy feelings.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white bread, with the crusts removed
- Butter, softened
- 50g raisins
- 25g sultanas
- 2 large eggs
- 25g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300ml whole milk
Instructions
- To make this dish, preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Spread the butter onto the bread slices and cut them into triangles. Arrange half of the triangles in a buttered ovenproof dish and sprinkle half the raisins and sultanas on top. Repeat another layer using the remaining bread triangles, raisins, and sultanas.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and milk together until well combined. Slowly pour the mixture over the bread triangles, ensuring that all the bread is soaked with the mixture. Leave it to rest for 30 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.
- After this,Bake in the oven for around 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool down for a few minutes. Serve warm or cold as you like! Some people enjoy it on its own while others prefer it with custard or cream. It’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Quick Facts
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving suggestion: Serve warm or cold with custard or cream on top.
Tips:
- Use day-old bread for best results.
- Try using various types of bread to enhance the taste and texture of your pudding.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition information per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 17g
- Protein: 8g
Presentation:
Mary Berry’s bread and butter pudding looks great on its own, but you can also dress it up with a sprinkle of icing sugar or cinnamon powder on top. To make it even more elegant, you can serve it in individual ramekins and garnish with fresh berries or a mint sprig. Either way, it’s a simple yet impressive dessert that will leave your guests impressed!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry bread and butter pudding:
- Chocolate chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, add a handful of chocolate chips to the mix for an extra rich and indulgent dessert.
- Croissants: Swap out the sliced white bread for croissants for a French twist on this classic dish. The buttery, flaky pastry adds a lovely texture and flavor to the custard base.
- Mixed fruit: While raisins and sultanas are traditional choices, you can experiment with other dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or dates for a different flavor profile.
- Milk alternatives: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer not to use dairy, try substituting whole milk with soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a vegan version of the recipe.
- Gluten-free bread: Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread for a gluten-free version.
- Vegan butter: To make it completely vegan, use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Savory: If you prefer savory dishes, try swapping out the sugar and vanilla extract for some grated cheese, chopped herbs, and black pepper for a delicious savoury version.
- Whiskey or Brandy: You can add a splash of whiskey or brandy to give it a boozy twist.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup on top of your serving of Mary Berry’s bread and butter pudding.
- Nuts: You can add a little bit of almonds, walnuts, pecans to give it an extra crunch.”
Recommendations and notices
- Use stale or day-old bread for best results, as fresh bread will not absorb the custard mixture as well.
- When soaking the bread in the custard mixture, make sure each slice is fully coated to ensure an even texture throughout the dish.
- Don’t skimp on the butter – it adds richness and flavor to the pudding.
- Take care when cooking to avoid burning the top of the pudding. If necessary, cover it with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
- This recipe makes 6 servings, so adjust ingredients accordingly if you need more or fewer portions.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.
- To reheat, microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds or heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
- Finally, enjoy your delicious Mary Berry bread and butter pudding as a comforting dessert or treat any time of day!”
FAQ for mary berry bread and butter pudding
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance, cover it with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, remove the covering and let it come to room temperature before baking.
The pudding should be golden brown on top and set in the middle when done. You can check by inserting a knife into the center – if it comes out clean, the pudding is cooked through.
Yes, you can freeze the pudding after baking and cooling. Wrap it tightly in cling film or foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Bread and butter pudding can be served warm or cold. It pairs well with custard, cream, ice cream, or whipped cream.
The calorie count will vary based on the exact ingredients used, but a typical serving of Mary Berry’s bread and butter pudding contains around 300-400 calories.
While white bread is traditional, you can experiment with other types of bread such as brioche, challah, or sourdough.
Preparation time for Mary Berry’s bread and butter pudding is around 20 minutes, plus another 30-40 minutes of baking time.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s bread and butter pudding is a classic British dessert that has stood the test of time. With its simple recipe, it’s a favorite among many for being an easy-to-make yet flavorful dish that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer to serve it hot or cold, with custard or cream, or on its own, it’s a delicious comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied.
