“A little cafe in my town has this on their menu and it’s always been a favorite of mine!”

This classic Bread and Butter Pudding is a comforting and delicious dessert, perfect for using up leftover bread.

Its warm, custardy center and sweet, spiced flavors make it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply craving a cozy dessert at the end of a meal, this pudding is sure to please.

The combination of soft, buttery bread with the rich custard and the subtle hints of cinnamon and raisins creates a mouthwatering treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the bread: Start by cutting the crusts off the bread slices. This will give your pudding a softer texture. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, but slightly stale bread works best for absorbing the custard. Butter one side of each slice generously. This adds a rich flavor and ensures that each piece of bread turns golden brown in the oven.
3. Slice the bread: Cut each buttered bread slice in half diagonally to form triangles. This shape makes for an attractive layering in the baking dish and ensures the custard gets evenly absorbed.
4. Layer the bread: Begin arranging the bread triangles in the greased baking dish, butter-side up. Make sure the bread is packed snugly, but not overcrowded. This will help ensure the custard soaks in thoroughly.
5. Add the raisins and cinnamon: Sprinkle half of the raisins and half of the cinnamon over the first layer of bread. The raisins will plump up as they bake, adding bursts of sweetness, and the cinnamon will infuse a lovely, spiced warmth into the dish.
6. Second layer of bread: Add a second layer of bread triangles on top of the first, arranging them neatly and ensuring they overlap slightly.
7. Sprinkle the remaining raisins and cinnamon: Add the remaining raisins and cinnamon to the second layer of bread. The raisins will distribute evenly, giving every bite a touch of fruitiness and spice.
8. Prepare the custard: In a medium-sized saucepan, gently warm the milk and heavy whipping cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally, making sure it doesn’t boil. This will help the milk and cream combine smoothly without curdling.
9. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This will create a light, airy texture for the custard.
10. Temper the eggs: Gradually pour a small amount of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. Once the eggs have warmed up, slowly pour the egg mixture into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream, whisking to combine.
11. Pour the custard over the bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread layers in the baking dish. Be sure to cover all the bread to ensure it absorbs the custard fully.
12. Let the pudding sit: Allow the bread to soak in the custard for about 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for the bread to absorb the custard, resulting in a rich, creamy center once baked.
13. Sprinkle sugar for a golden crust: Sprinkle an additional tablespoon or two of granulated sugar over the top of the pudding before baking. This will create a delightful, crisp, golden topping as it bakes.
14. Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding has set in the center. If you gently shake the dish, the pudding should not jiggle, indicating that it is fully cooked.
15. Cool before serving: Allow the bread and butter pudding to cool slightly before serving. This will help it set and allow the flavors to meld together.
16. Serve and enjoy: Slice the pudding into squares or scoops and serve warm. You can garnish it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade bread and butter pudding, perfect for a cozy dessert or a comforting treat after a hearty meal!