An Old-Fashioned Dessert Straight from the Heart
There’s a little café not far from where I live. Nothing fancy—just quiet, cozy, and comforting. The kind of place where the coffee’s always fresh, the regulars linger, and one dessert has earned a permanent place on the handwritten chalkboard menu: Bread and Butter Pudding.
It’s simple. Humble. But unforgettable.
Warm, buttery, and soaked in sweet, spiced custard, it’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t need reinventing. It just needs to be made with care—and shared with the people you love.
Now, I’m bringing that same feeling into your home, with a recipe that’s as close to the original as you’ll find. Whether you’re making it for Sunday brunch, a holiday table, or just a quiet evening at home, this dish always delivers a little joy.
Why We Still Love Bread and Butter Pudding
It starts with simple, everyday ingredients—bread, eggs, milk, butter, sugar. But what comes out of the oven is rich, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. With every bite, you get:
Buttery, golden edges with just the right crunch
Custard-soaked centers that melt in your mouth
Sweet raisins tucked between layers
Gentle warmth from cinnamon
The cozy scent that fills the whole house
This dessert isn’t flashy—it doesn’t try to be. It’s the kind of food that wraps you up like an old quilt. And that’s why it’s endured for generations.
Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: Just under an hour to timeless comfort
Ingredients
8 slices of bread (any kind; slightly stale is best)
1/3 cup raisins
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2½ cups milk
¼ cup whipped cream
4 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
2 teaspoons melted butter
Optional toppings: whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar size) with a bit of butter or oil.
2. Prepare the Bread
Remove the crusts if you prefer a softer pudding (totally optional).
Brush one side of each slice with the melted butter.
3. Layer the Base
Place half of the buttered bread slices, butter-side up, into the bottom of the baking dish.
Scatter the raisins evenly across this layer.
Sprinkle with 1–2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
4. Add the Second Layer
Place the remaining slices of bread on top, again butter-side up.
Gently press the layers down to help the custard soak in later.
5. Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, whipped cream, eggs, and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
6. Pour and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers.
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the bread can absorb the custard. This step is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
7. Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Halfway through, sprinkle a bit of extra sugar over the top for a golden, slightly crackled finish.
The pudding is done when the center is just set but still has a gentle wobble.
8. Let It Rest, Then Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve warm, topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Bread and Butter Pudding
Use slightly stale bread: It holds up better and soaks in more custard without falling apart.
Try richer breads: Brioche, challah, or croissants make it extra decadent.
Don’t skip the soak: Letting it sit before baking gives it that perfect texture.
Make it your own: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, a splash of vanilla extract, or a touch of citrus zest for variety.
Want a crispier top? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes—just keep an eye on it.
A Dish with Heart and History
Bread and butter pudding is more than just a dessert. It’s a moment—slow, sweet, and rooted in something deeper than just flour and eggs. It’s the smell of home on a rainy afternoon. The warmth of comfort when words fall short. The kind of dish passed down not on recipe cards, but in memories.
So whether it’s your first time baking it or your fiftieth, this classic version delivers what it always has: a little quiet magic in a bowl.
Serve it warm. Share it generously. And keep the tradition going, one bite at a time.
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