A Traditional Bread Pudding Recipe (UK Style)

The UK boasts a rich culinary heritage, and few desserts are as comforting and classic as bread pudding. This isn't your grandma's soggy bread; this is a perfectly textured, deeply flavorful bread pudding, showcasing the best of British baking traditions. This recipe focuses on achieving that authentic, slightly sticky, warmly spiced pudding that's perfect for a chilly evening.

Ingredients for the Best UK Bread Pudding

This recipe uses readily available ingredients, ensuring you can recreate this classic dessert with ease.

• Stale Bread: 400g (approx. 14oz) of day-old bread, preferably a white or milk loaf. Stale bread is crucial for absorbing the custard without becoming overly soggy. Cut into 2cm (¾ inch) cubes.
• Milk: 500ml (approx. 17 fl oz) whole milk – for richness and creaminess. Semi-skimmed works too, but whole milk is preferred.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs – to bind the pudding and add richness.
• Sugar: 100g (approx. 3.5 oz) caster sugar – adjust to your sweetness preference.
• Butter: 50g (approx. 1.75 oz) unsalted butter, melted – for richness and moistness.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances the overall flavour profile.
• Spices:
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• Dried Fruit (optional): 100g (approx. 3.5 oz) raisins, sultanas, or mixed dried fruit – adds texture and sweetness. Soak them in a little warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the pudding for improved plumpness.
• Optional additions: A handful of chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts), a tablespoon of golden syrup or treacle for extra richness.

Method: Making the Perfect Bread Pudding

Follow these steps to achieve that perfect balance of texture and flavour:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cube the stale bread and spread it out on a baking tray to dry slightly if it's not already very stale. This helps prevent a soggy pudding.
2. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and spices until well combined. If using soaked dried fruit, add it now.
3. Combine: Gently fold the cubed bread into the custard mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb some of the custard. This step is vital for preventing a dry pudding.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease a 1.5-litre (approx. 2.5 pint) ovenproof dish. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared dish.
5. Baking Time: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set. A skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. It's delicious served warm with custard, cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Ultimate Bread Pudding

• Don't skimp on the stale bread: It's the foundation of a good bread pudding.
• Don't overmix: Gently fold the bread into the custard to avoid breaking it down too much.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to ensure the pudding is cooked through before removing it from the oven.
• Get creative with additions: Experiment with different dried fruits, spices, or nuts to personalize your bread pudding.

This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for your own bread pudding creations. Feel free to adapt it to your own taste preferences and enjoy this truly comforting British classic! Share your variations and experiences in the comments below! Happy baking!