I bake bread so often, and sometimes what I make goes stale. I never want to waste the ingredients, especially when I use organic wholesome ingredients. Since I learned this traditional English dessert, called Bread and Butter Pudding, nothing I bake goes to waste anymore.
Bread and butter pudding began in old England as a clever way to use stale bread. People would butter the slices, layer them with dried fruits, pour over a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar, and bake them until golden. Over time, it became a much-loved traditional dessert; it is simple, comforting, and full of homely flavour.
Making it with wholesome, healthy ingredients makes it even better, and it’s very easy to do.
Let’s make it!
🍮 Wholesome Bread and Butter Pudding
Ingredients:
6-8 slices homemade seedy or wholegrain bread, slightly stale (or any bread you have available)
3 tbsp grass-fed butter (or coconut oil for a dairy-free version)
2-3 tbsp raw honey or coconut sugar
2 cups (500 ml) organic whole milk. or a mix of milk + coconut cream for richness
2 organic or free-range eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
A handful of raisins or any dried fruits.
Instructions 🍮
Prepare the bread:
Butter each slice generously.
Layer them in a greased baking dish, tucking in the raisins between slices.
Make the custard:
Warm the milk and honey gently in a pan until just steaming but not boiling.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with vanilla and spices, then slowly pour in the warm milk mixture while whisking to create a silky custard.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread. Press the slices down gently with the back of a spoon to help them absorb the liquid.
Let it rest for 20 minutes so the flavours meld.
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but slightly wobbly in the centre.
Let cool slightly before serving.
The bread crust forms a light golden top that is slightly crisp and buttery.
While underneath the layers turn silky and moist. Almost like a warm spiced custard cake, the first bite is soft and richly custardy, with chewy raisins and just the right amount of sweetness from honey.
Can be served with a drizzle of more honey or wine reduction or a splash of cream, or simply with more custard.
This was a satisfying, wholesome dessert, a healthier version of the traditional bread and butter pudding.
Wishing everyone a lovely day, Mariah :)