Mastering the Art of Bread and Butter Pudding: Two Delicious Methods

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, learning how to make Bread and Butter Pudding can be a delightful adventure in the kitchen. This comforting and delicious dessert combines the warmth of bread with the richness of custard, creating a dessert that is both easy to make and impossible to resist. This article will guide you through two methods of making this classic dish: a basic method followed by a more luxurious variation.

Basic Bread and Butter Pudding

Ingredients:

2 Pint (1 liter) baking dish 4 slices of bread (crusts removed) 2 tablespoons of softened butter 2 tablespoons of sultanas or raisins (optional) 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional) 1 cup of milk 3/4 cup of heavy cream 2 eggs 1/2 cup of sugar (used in custard base) 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional) 2 tablespoons of satin or superfine sugar (optional)

Step-by-step Guide:

Preparation of the Baking Dish: Lightly grease the inside of the baking dish with butter. Optionally, you can also sprinkle a thin layer of sugar inside the dish for added texture. Cutting the Bread: Remove the crusts from the bread and then spread softened butter on one side of each slice. Cut each slice into four small triangles. Layer Preparation: Place a single layer of bread slices (butter side up) in the bottom of the dish. Make sure that the bread is not overlapping. You should have enough bread left over for additional layers. Add Fruits and Spices: Spread sultanas or raisins over the bread layer, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Use other fruits if preferred. Repeat Layers: Continue layering bread, sultanas, and cinnamon until all bread is used. The final layer should be just bread without any sultanas or cinnamon. Custard Base: Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. Combine the eggs and sugar, then slowly mix in the milk mixture, one cup at a time, to avoid cooking the eggs. Sieve the Mixture: Strain the custard base through a strainer to remove any cooked bits of egg, then pour it evenly over the bread. Final Layers: Sprinkle the remaining sugar and a touch of nutmeg on top for extra flavor. Rest and Bake: Let the pudding sit for 30 minutes. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 355°F (180°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until custard has thickened and turn golden brown. Cooling: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth.

Deluxe Bread and Butter Pudding

Ingredients:

4-5 slices of soft rolls (brioche is recommended) 2 tablespoons of softened butter 1/2 cup of milk 1/2 cup of heavy cream 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1 vanilla bean (or 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract) 4 eggs 1/2 cup of sugar (used in custard base) 1/2 cup of raisins or sultanas (optional) 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional) 2 tablespoons of satin or superfine sugar (optional)

Step-by-step Guide:

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch (22.86 by 33.02 by 5.08 cm) baking dish. Cutting and Buttering the Bread: Cut the soft rolls into 1-inch (2.54 cm) thick slices and butter one side of each slice. Layer Preparation: Arrange the buttered slices in the baking dish in layers, ensuring each slice is buttered side up. Adding Fruits and Spices: Sprinkle the top of the bread with raisins or sultanas. Making the Custard: Combine milk, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale yellow. Preparing the Custard Base: Slowly mix a portion of the hot milk into the egg mixture, then combine the remaining milk. Strain the mixture into the baking dish. Layer Processing: Use a spatula to press down the bread, making sure it soaks up the custard and sinks to the bottom. If necessary, press down any floating bread slices. Baking: Place the dish in a larger roasting pan and fill it with about 1 inch (2.54 cm) of water for even cooking. Bake for 60 minutes or until the custard is set and puffed. Cooling and Serving: Let the pudding cool on a wire rack, then consider garnishing it with a sauce made from apricot jam and water for an extra touch of flavor. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Both methods of preparing Bread and Butter Pudding offer unique flavors and textures. Whether you opt for the simpler method or the more complex one, the result is sure to be a delight for any occasion. Experiment with different types of bread, fruits, and spices to tailor the pudding to your taste. Happy baking!