Old-fashioned bread and butter pudding recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C gas 4. Lightly butter a medium baking dish (approximately 20cm x 25cm) with 10g of the butter. Spread the remaining butter generously over one side of the bread slices. Cut each slice into quarters.
2. Arrange half the bread quarters, buttered sides up, over the base of the buttered dish and scatter with half the sultanas and lemon zest. Repeat to use up all the buttered bread, sultanas and lemon zest.
3. Heat the milk and cream together in a small saucepan until steaming hot. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with 50g of the golden caster sugar, until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture onto the eggs, whisking constantly. Strain through a sieve into a jug, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Slowly pour the custard over the bread pudding, being careful to soak all the bread. Scatter the surface with the remaining sugar and grate over a little nutmeg. Bake for 35-40 minutes in the centre of the oven, until golden brown. Let the pudding rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Freezing and defrosting guidelines

Suitable for freezing when raw or cooked (wrap the dish containing the uncooked or cooked pudding in clingfilm and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and either proceed with cooking the pudding (if uncooked) or heat through for 20 minutes at 160°C, 140°C fan, gas 3 if cooked. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.

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How to make bread and buter pudding?

If you prefer to watch how to make bread and butter pudding, we have a one-minute video recipe that's so easy to follow. Take a look!

Can you freeze bread and butter pudding?

Yes, you can freeze bread and butter pudding either raw or cooked. Wrap the dish well in clingfilm and freeze for up to 30 months. For more freezer tips, see our handy guide.

What is bread and butter pudding?

Bread and butter pudding is a traditional British dessert, made by layering buttered bread and raisins, then covering in eggy custard before baking in the oven. It's an old-fashioned, thrifty pudding that's a great way of using up stale bread. There are lots of recipes inspired by the original dish, swapping out bread for brioche or crumpets and swapping out the raisins for fruit, toffee or chocolate.

Can you make bread and butter pudding in advance?

Yes, you can make bread and butter pudding in advance. you can assemble the pudding and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the dish, allow to cool then refrigerate the whole pud or leftovers for up to 2 days.

How long to cook a bread and butter pudding​?

Our bread and butter pudding takes 35-40 minutes to cook. Some recipe variations may require less or more cooking time.

Can you reheat bread and butter pudding​?

Yes, you can reheat bread and butter pudding leftovers, covered, in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. You could also reheat leftovers in a microwave, but this would have a slightly soggier result.

What to serve with bread and butter pudding​?

You can serve bread and butter pudding with cream, ice cream or custard, but it's also delicious served on its own. If you go for a flavour twist on the classic recipe, you could match your topping – for example, a citrus bread and butter pudding would work well with a citrus-flavoured ice cream.

How to make bread and butter pudding with panettone​?

It's easy to make bread and butter pudding with panettone. Our simple recipe uses leftover panettone, as well as leftover mincemeat and nuts – it's an indulgent way to reduce your festive food waste!

Can you make bread and butter pudding with brown bread?

Yes, you can make bread and butter pudding with brown bread, wholemeal bread or even rye. Brown bread will have a nuttier flavour and slightly different texture, but it's a delicious twist and using a wholemeal loaf is a handy way to up your fibre intake.

Can you make bread and butter pudding without cream​?

Yes, you can make bread and butter pudding without cream, using whole, semi or even skimmed milk. Our Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding uses any milk you have to hand. You can also make a dairy-free bread and butter pudding using soya milk. Our fabulously fruity recipe is simple to make and lighter than traditional recipes.