The Ultimate Guide to English Bread Pudding: A Recipe for Comfort

Bread pudding, a classic British dessert, is the epitome of comfort food. This guide will walk you through creating a truly delicious English bread pudding, focusing on both taste and the key ingredients that make it authentic. We'll cover everything from choosing the right bread to achieving that perfect, creamy custard. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this timeless recipe!

Choosing Your Bread: The Foundation of Great Bread Pudding

The bread you choose is paramount to a successful bread pudding. Stale bread is ideal. Why? Because it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, preventing a soggy result. Day-old bread, or even slightly older, is perfect. You can even intentionally dry out bread slices in a low oven if needed.

Avoid using overly dense breads like sourdough. Instead, opt for:

• White bread: Provides a classic, subtly sweet base.
• Milk bread: Adds a touch of richness and softness.
• Brioche: For a richer, more decadent pudding.

Ingredients for the Perfect English Bread Pudding

This recipe yields a delicious, classic bread pudding that serves 6-8 people.

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups cubed stale bread (about a 1-pound loaf)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional, but traditional)
• 1/4 cup currants (optional, adds a lovely tartness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the bread: In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed bread, raisins (if using), currants (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine bread and custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread mixture, ensuring all the bread pieces are well coated. Gently toss to distribute evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for preventing a dry pudding.

5. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the brown sugar over the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It's delicious served warm, possibly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best English Bread Pudding

• Don't overmix: Overmixing the bread and custard can result in a tough pudding. Gently fold the ingredients together.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or knife to check if the center is cooked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Customize your flavors: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom. Dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots can also be added.
• Make it ahead: Bread pudding can be made a day ahead and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

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