Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe - British Recipes Book (2024)

Yields:1 ServingDifficulty: EasyPrep Time: 20 MinsCook Time:40 MinsTotal Time:1 Hr

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.

Try: Nigella Panettone Bread and Butter 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 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

A 28cm (11in) wide-based round ovenproof dish
A roasting tin large enough to place the dish in
A large bowl
A whisk
A knife
A pastry brush
A measuring jug
A measuring spoon
A chopping board

Instructions 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.

Mary Berry Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe - British Recipes Book (1)

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.

Pro 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:

Other Pudding Recipes to Try

Mary Berry Rice Pudding
Mary Berry Eve’s Pudding
Delia Smith Eve’s Pudding
Hairy Bikers Eve’s Pudding

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.

Can I use low-fat milk or alternative milk options for the custard?

While you can experiment with alternative milk, using full-fat milk provides a creamier texture. Low-fat options may result in a less rich custard.

My custard turned lumpy; how can I prevent this?

Ensure to whisk the custard mixture thoroughly and strain it before pouring over the bread. Cooking over low-medium heat while stirring continuously helps prevent lumps.

Can I make this pudding gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular bread with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure the gluten-free bread is slightly stale or toasted for better custard absorption.

Why is my bread and butter pudding too dry?

Insufficient custard absorption may be the cause. Ensure the bread is slightly stale or toasted and press it gently into the custard to enhance absorption.

What if my pudding is too soggy in the middle?

Inadequate baking time or temperature might be the issue. Verify the oven settings and extend the baking time if needed until the pudding is golden and puffed.

How to prevent a burnt top crust?

Excessive sugar on top can cause burning. Adjust sugar quantities and consider covering the top with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

Related: Mary Berry Traybake Chocolate

Can I make bread and butter pudding without eggs?

Yes, you can make bread and butter pudding without eggs, but you will need to use a substitute for the custard. You can use a vegan custard mix, or make your own custard with plant-based milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla. You can also add some vegan butter or margarine to the bread slices for extra richness.

Conclusion:

Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding is a delightful and versatile dessert that combines simplicity with rich flavors. This classic British treat, with its buttery brioche, plump sultanas, and creamy custard, offers a comforting experience that’s both easy to create and endlessly customizable. The beauty lies in its adaptability, allowing you to play with various bread types, dried fruits, and spices. Whether served warm with a dollop of cream, custard, or ice cream, this pudding promises a satisfying end to any meal.

The make-ahead option adds a layer of convenience, making it suitable for any occasion. With practical tips to ensure perfection and creative variations to explore, this recipe invites you to personalize your pudding experience. From the welcoming aroma, while it bakes to the crispy golden top and moist interior, Mary Berry’s Bread and Butter Pudding is a timeless dessert that embodies the essence of home comfort and culinary joy. Try it once, and it might just become a cherished classic in your own recipe collection.