As the sun set on a chilly autumn evening, the scent of warm, buttery goodness wafted through the air. It beckoned us to the kitchen. My grandmother, with her gentle smile and tender care, would lovingly prepare her renowned butter bread pudding.
This dish was a comforting favorite passed down through generations. The velvety custard and golden-brown top showed her culinary expertise. It was a true expression of the love she poured into every bite.
This classic butter bread pudding recipe is a beloved Southern comfort food. It has captured the hearts of home cooks around the world. With simple yet delectable ingredients and easy instructions, it’s perfect for a cozy family gathering or special occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this butter bread pudding is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a recipe that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Butter bread pudding is a classic British dessert with a global following.
- This recipe uses less sugar than typical American versions, allowing for a balance of flavors.
- The dish can be made with various types of bread, including stale bread, dinner rolls, or even hot dog buns.
- Simple ingredients like bread, butter, eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings create a rich, custardy texture.
- Toppings like ice cream, cream, custard, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce can be added to enhance the dessert.
Understanding the Magic of Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has a long history, starting in the 13th century in England. It began as a way to use up old bread, called “poor man’s pudding.” Now, it’s a favorite dessert in fancy restaurants and in New Orleans.
Origins and Cultural Significance
Home cooks in the past turned old bread into a tasty treat. Eliza Smith’s 1728 cookbook, “The Compleat Housewife,” was one of the first to share a bread pudding recipe. This shows its long history in British cooking.
Why This Dessert Became a Comfort Food Classic
Bread pudding is loved for its comforting feel. It’s made with soft bread and can be flavored many ways. This makes it a favorite in New Orleans cuisine and southern comfort food. It’s both a treat and a smart way to use up leftover bread.
“Bread pudding originated as a way to prevent food waste, using bread that might otherwise be thrown away.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Butter Bread Pudding
Making a delicious butter bread pudding starts with picking the right ingredients. The main parts that give this dessert its unique taste and texture are:
- Bread: Best if it’s a bit stale, like brioche, white, or French bread. This makes the pudding soft and custard-like inside.
- Butter: Used in the pudding mix and drizzled on top before baking. It adds a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Eggs: They help make the pudding creamy and give it structure.
- Milk and cream: These make the pudding silky and smooth.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens it, and demerara sugar on top creates a caramelized crust.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon spice: These classic flavors go well with the buttery brioche and raisins.
- Raisins or sultanas (optional): They add sweet, chewy bursts in the pudding.
The best mix is 8 heaped cups of bread, 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cup cream, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and vanilla. With these ingredients, you can make a butter bread pudding that’s both indulgent and delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread (Brioche, White, or French) | 8 cups, heaped |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cream | 1 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins or Sultanas (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Best Types of Bread for Your Pudding
Choosing the right bread is crucial for a great butter bread pudding. While stale white bread is a classic, other options can make your dessert even better.
Fresh vs. Stale Bread Options
Fresh bread might fall apart when baked. But, slightly stale bread holds its shape and soaks up the custard well. Look for bread that’s a few days old but not too hard.
Artisan and Specialty Bread Choices
For a richer pudding, try brioche or challah. These breads add a luxurious feel and taste. Raisin bread also works well, adding sweetness and chewiness.
Breads to Avoid
- Breads with thick crusts, like some sourdoughs, might not be the best choice.
- Heavy breads, such as pumpernickel or dense ryes, can make the pudding too thick.
- Gluten-free bread can work, but its quality and texture may vary.
The goal is to pick a bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart. Try different breads to find your favorite pudding base!
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making the perfect baked bread pudding is a fun journey. Start by cutting your bread into small pieces. This lets them soak up the custard mixture well.
In a big bowl, mix the wet ingredients. These include whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Add the bread chunks to the custard mixture. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Let it soak for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Put the soaked bread pudding into the dish. Drizzle melted butter on top for a golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is slightly jiggly.
For a twist, use pre-sliced bread. Butter the slices, layer them, and pour the custard over. This way, every bite is filled with creamy flavors.
The secret to great baked bread pudding is finding the right balance. Follow these steps to make a dessert that everyone will love.
Custard Base Secrets and Techniques
The custard base is the heart of a delicious butter bread pudding. Mastering the custard can take your bread pudding to new heights. The secret is finding the perfect balance between eggs and milk.
Perfect Egg-to-Milk Ratio
The best ratio for bread pudding custard is about 1 egg per 1 cup of liquid. This mix creates a creamy texture without being too thick or eggy. For a classic butter bread pudding, use 2 large eggs and 2 cups of milk or a mix of milk and cream.
Flavoring Your Custard
Flavoring your custard is just as important as the egg-to-milk ratio. Adding a bit of vanilla extract and some cinnamon is a classic choice. These flavors pair well with the buttery, eggy bread pudding. You can also try other spices like nutmeg or a bit of brandy for a more complex taste.
To avoid lumps in your custard, whisk the eggs first. Then, slowly add the other liquids. This method ensures your custard is smooth and ready to soak into the egg-enriched bread cubes. It helps the flavors blend together perfectly.
“The secret to the perfect bread pudding lies in the custard. It’s the foundation that binds all the flavors together.”
Let the custard base soak into the bread for 10-30 minutes before baking. This patience allows the bread to fully absorb the custard’s rich flavors. It makes the dessert truly unforgettable.
Baking Tips for Golden-Brown Perfection
Getting your caramelized bread pudding to a perfect golden-brown crust is simpler than you might think. Here are some key tips to make sure your baked bread pudding looks great every time:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting. This ensures your oven is ready for baking.
- Drizzle melted butter over the pudding before baking. This step helps create a crispy, golden-brown top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden but the center is still a bit soft. The pudding will set as it cools.
- For an extra buttery shine, brush the top with more melted butter right after baking.
- Let the baked bread pudding rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut clean slices.
By following these easy tips, you’ll get a caramelized bread pudding with a golden-brown outside and a soft inside. It’s the ultimate comfort food treat.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brioche Bread | 16 to 18 ounces |
| Dried Cherries | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Milk | 3 1/2 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 1/2 cups |
| Large Eggs | 6 |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Pure Vanilla Extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
“The secret to a perfectly caramelized crust on your bread pudding is all in the baking technique.”
Delicious Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Make your butter bread pudding even better with tasty toppings and serving ideas. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of custard sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. For extra sweetness, add fresh strawberries, maple syrup, or powdered sugar.
Want to try something new? Add a splash of rum to the sauce or top it with butterscotch schnapps icing. There are so many ways to make this dessert special.
Classic Accompaniments
- Vanilla ice cream
- Custard sauce
- Whipped cream or mascarpone
- Fresh strawberries
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
Modern Twisting on Toppings
- Rum sauce
- Butterscotch schnapps icing
Serve your bread pudding in a big dish or individual ramekins for a fancy look. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top is always a great idea.
“Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort food, and with the right toppings, it can be transformed into a truly indulgent dessert.”
| Topping | Description | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Ice Cream | A classic pairing that provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, custardy bread pudding. | Sweet, creamy, and indulgent. |
| Custard Sauce | A rich, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the custard-like texture of the bread pudding. | Smooth, vanilla-flavored, and decadent. |
| Rum Sauce | A boozy, caramelized sauce that adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional bread pudding. | Warm, boozy, and slightly sweet. |
Storing and Reheating Your Butter Bread Pudding
Enjoying homemade breakfast bread pudding is a treat. You’ll want to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to store and reheat your dessert:
Refrigerate your breakfast bread pudding for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover it with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven. For single servings, a microwave zap will do the trick.
Freeze your breakfast bread pudding for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. It might not be as fluffy, but it’s still delicious.
Don’t waste any breakfast bread pudding. It’s great for breakfast, especially when reheated. Enjoy it plain or with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
Learn more about storing and reheating your homemade bread. Enjoy every bite of this comforting classic.
Conclusion
Butter bread pudding is a timeless treat that turns simple ingredients into a cozy delight. It’s perfect for a family gathering or a fancy dinner party. This dessert combines custard richness with a golden-brown crunch.
It’s loved for its ability to adapt to different breads, flavors, and toppings. This makes it a favorite in the South.
Butter bread pudding has a long history, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Its appeal today is in bringing people together and creating nostalgia. Enjoy it with caramel sauce or whipped cream for a memorable taste experience.
Next time you want a comforting dessert, try making butter bread pudding. Its versatility and endless possibilities make it a true gem. It will continue to delight and inspire for years to come.
F.A.Q
What is butter bread pudding?
Butter bread pudding is a comforting dessert. It has custardy insides and a golden, buttery top. You can make it with different breads, like stale bread or dinner rolls.
What are the key ingredients for butter bread pudding?
The main ingredients are bread, butter, eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add raisins or sultanas for extra flavor.
What are the best types of bread to use for bread pudding?
The best breads are slightly stale white bread, raisin bread, brioche, or challah. Fresh bread works too, but it might fall apart. Avoid very stale or hard bread.
How do you prepare butter bread pudding?
Start by cutting bread into chunks. Then, whisk together wet ingredients and flavorings. Mix the bread with the egg mixture gently.
Let it soak for 3 minutes. Put it in a baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. It should be golden and still a bit jiggly.
What are some tips for the perfect custard base?
For the custard, use 3 eggs to 1 1/2 cups milk and 1 cup cream. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon for flavor. Whisk eggs first, then add other liquids for a smooth custard.
Let the bread soak well in the custard to absorb flavors.
What are some delicious toppings and serving suggestions?
Top it with ice cream, custard, or cream. You can also use fresh strawberries, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce. Try rum sauce or butterscotch schnapps for a twist.
Serve it in a large dish or individual ramekins for a fancy look.
How can you store and reheat leftover butter bread pudding?
Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) until hot. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Individual portions can be microwaved.
