Name: Hairy Bikers Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp soft butter, for greasing; 8–10 slices white bread; 50g butter, softened; 50g sultanas or raisins; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped; 50g caster sugar; 500ml milk; 150ml double cream; ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

This classic bread and butter pudding is made with slices of white bread, sultanas, eggs, milk, and double cream. The custard soaks into layers of buttered bread triangles for a tender, golden-topped dessert. It takes about 50 minutes and serves 6.

I make this whenever I have bread that needs using up. It is one of those recipes that always gets scraped clean from the dish.

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Bread And Butter Pudding Ingredients

1 tbsp soft butter, for greasing
8–10 slices white bread
50g butter, softened
50g sultanas or raisins
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 vanilla pod, split and seeds scraped
50g caster sugar
500ml milk
150ml double cream
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

How To Make Bread And Butter Pudding

Preheat and grease: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a shallow baking dish, roughly 20x30cm, with the tablespoon of soft butter.
Butter the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Cut each slice into triangles.
Layer the dish: Arrange half the bread triangles, buttered side up, across the base of the dish. Scatter half the sultanas over the top. Repeat with the remaining bread and sultanas.
Make the custard: Whisk the eggs and egg yolks with the caster sugar until pale. Scrape in the vanilla seeds. Warm the milk and double cream gently in a saucepan without boiling. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Soak the bread: Pour the custard evenly over the bread layers. Press the bread down gently so it sits in the liquid. Leave it to soak for 20–30 minutes.
Bake: Sprinkle the grated nutmeg over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the custard is set and the surface is golden.
Rest and serve: Let the pudding stand for a few minutes before serving warm.

Hairy Bikers Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe

What Is the Secret to Perfect Bread And Butter Pudding?

Use stale bread: Day-old or slightly dried-out bread absorbs the custard far better and holds its shape. Fresh bread can turn the pudding soggy.
Temper the eggs properly: Pour the warm milk into the egg mixture slowly while whisking. Rushing this step can scramble the eggs and ruin the custard.
Let it soak fully: The 20–30 minute soak is not optional. It gives the bread time to absorb the custard evenly, which creates a smoother, more tender result.
Check for a gentle wobble: The pudding is ready when the centre has a slight wobble but is not runny. It will firm up as it cools. If you enjoy other comforting baked desserts, try this sticky toffee pudding next.

What Should You Serve on the Side?

This pudding is lovely on its own. A drizzle of cold double cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even better. A handful of fresh berries or a simple raspberry coulis adds a sharp, fruity contrast.

For something lighter, serve it alongside a cup of strong black tea or coffee. If you want another classic British dessert for the table, a rice pudding works as a second option for guests who prefer something milder.

Does This Keep Well?

Cover leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm them in a low oven until heated through.

This pudding does not freeze well. The custard tends to go watery and grainy once thawed, so it is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrate: 42g
Dietary Fibre: 2g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my bread and butter pudding soggy? The most common cause is using too much liquid or not letting the pudding soak long enough before baking. A full 20–30 minute soak followed by baking at 180°C gives the custard time to set properly.

Can you use brioche instead of white bread? Yes, brioche works very well and creates a richer, softer pudding. Its buttery crumb soaks up custard evenly, which is why many chefs prefer it for this recipe.

How does Hairy Bikers bread and butter pudding compare to Gordon Ramsay’s? Gordon Ramsay bakes his in a water bath for a silkier custard and finishes with demerara sugar. This version is more straightforward, baked directly in the dish with a nutmeg-spiced custard.

Can you assemble bread and butter pudding the night before? Yes, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight as the extra soaking time improves the texture. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What other classic British puddings go well after a roast dinner? A treacle tart or an apple and blackberry crumble both work well as alternatives when you want a warm, comforting dessert.

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