There’s something wonderfully comforting about a traditional Bread and Butter Pudding. Made with simple everyday ingredients, this old-fashioned dessert transforms slices of bread, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, and a handful of raisins into a warm, creamy pudding with golden, slightly crisp edges.

It’s the kind of dessert that proves you don’t need expensive ingredients to make something special. The bread soaks up the rich vanilla custard while baking, becoming soft and creamy in the center while the top turns beautifully golden.

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic family dessert, a clever way to use leftover bread, or an easy sweet treat for a weekend dinner, this recipe is a classic for a reason.

Why You’ll Love This Bread and Butter Pudding

Uses simple pantry and refrigerator ingredients.
Great for using slightly stale bread.
Soft, creamy custard contrasts beautifully with a golden top.
Easy to prepare ahead of time.
Comforting enough for a family dessert.
Delicious served warm, especially with custard or cream.
Easy to customize with different spices and dried fruits.

Ingredients

For the Pudding

8–10 slices white bread or brioche
4 tablespoons butter, softened
½ cup raisins or sultanas
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar, for the top

Optional Additions

1 teaspoon orange zest
½ cup chopped dried apricots
¼ cup chocolate chips
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
A handful of sliced almonds

How to Make Bread and Butter Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.

Spread softened butter generously over one side of each bread slice.

For the best texture, use bread that is slightly stale rather than extremely fresh. Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly mushy.

If your bread is very fresh, arrange the slices on a baking sheet and let them sit uncovered for 20–30 minutes before assembling the pudding.

Step 2: Add the Raisins

Sprinkle about half of the raisins over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Cut the buttered bread slices into triangles or smaller pieces.

Arrange them in the baking dish, buttered side facing upward, slightly overlapping each piece.

Scatter the remaining raisins between and over the bread.

If you’re using orange zest, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, you can add them at this stage.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.

Add the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Whisk until everything is evenly incorporated.

There’s no need to whip the mixture excessively. You simply want a smooth custard.

Step 4: Pour Over the Bread

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the arranged bread.

Press the bread down gently with the back of a spoon or spatula so that it can absorb the custard.

Let the pudding stand for approximately 10–15 minutes before baking.

This resting time is important because it allows the custard to penetrate the bread.

Step 5: Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.

For an especially golden finish, you can add a few tiny pieces of butter over the surface.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the pudding is puffed, golden brown, and the custard is mostly set.

The center should have a soft, gently wobbly texture rather than looking completely dry.

Avoid overbaking, as the pudding can become firm and lose its creamy texture.

Remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

The Secret to Perfect Bread and Butter Pudding

The most important ingredient isn’t actually an ingredient at all—it’s the bread.

Slightly stale bread is ideal because it has already lost some moisture and can absorb more custard.

Fresh bread can still be used, but it tends to become softer more quickly.

Brioche, challah, croissants, or thick-cut white bread can all create wonderfully rich variations.

How to Prevent a Soggy Pudding

A good bread and butter pudding should be soft and custardy without becoming watery.

Follow these simple tips:

Use slightly stale bread.
Don’t add excessive liquid.
Allow the bread to soak before baking.
Make sure your oven is fully preheated.
Don’t cover the pudding while baking.
Bake until the custard is set around the edges and gently wobbly in the center.

Delicious Variations

Apple and Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Add one peeled and finely sliced apple between the layers of bread.

Increase the cinnamon slightly and add a little brown sugar for a cozy apple-pie-inspired version.

Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding

Add chocolate chips between the bread slices and replace the raisins with chopped chocolate.

For an even richer dessert, drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pudding.

Orange and Raisin

Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the custard and use plenty of raisins.

The citrus cuts through the richness of the custard beautifully.

Cardamom Bread Pudding

For a warm, aromatic variation, add ½ teaspoon of ground cardamom along with the cinnamon.

This version pairs particularly well with tea or coffee.

Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Replace ordinary bread with brioche for a richer, more luxurious pudding.

Because brioche already contains butter and eggs, it creates an especially tender texture.

What to Serve With Bread and Butter Pudding

This pudding is delicious on its own, but a simple topping can make it even more special.

Serve warm with:

Vanilla custard
Whipped cream
Ice cream
Fresh berries
Caramel sauce
Powdered sugar
A drizzle of maple syrup
Warm fruit compote

For a classic presentation, simply spoon warm vanilla custard over each serving.

Can You Make It Ahead?

Yes.

Assemble the pudding several hours ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Take it out of the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. Because the pudding starts cold, it may require a few additional minutes in the oven.

You can also prepare the custard separately and assemble everything shortly before baking.

Storage

Allow leftover pudding to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the pudding in a low-temperature oven until heated through.

The texture may become slightly firmer after refrigeration, but gentle reheating helps restore some of its softness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bread?

Yes, but slightly stale bread gives the best texture because it absorbs more custard without becoming excessively soft.

Can I leave out the raisins?

Absolutely. Raisins are traditional, but they are completely optional.

Can I use evaporated milk?

Yes. Evaporated milk can create a rich, creamy custard. You can replace part of the milk with evaporated milk if desired.

Why is my pudding watery?

This can happen if there is too much liquid, the bread hasn’t absorbed the custard properly, or the pudding hasn’t baked long enough. Allowing the assembled pudding to rest before baking can help.

Can I freeze bread and butter pudding?

Yes, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. Cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Can I make it without cream?

Yes. Simply use additional whole milk in place of the cream. The pudding will still be delicious, although slightly less rich.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Soaking Time: 10–15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British-inspired
Main Ingredients: Bread, butter, milk, eggs, sugar, raisins

Final Thoughts

Classic Bread and Butter Pudding is the perfect example of how humble ingredients can create an unforgettable dessert. The buttery bread absorbs a sweet vanilla-spiced custard while baking, creating a pudding that’s creamy in the middle and beautifully golden on top.

Serve it warm with vanilla custard, ice cream, or a little whipped cream, and you have a comforting dessert that feels wonderfully homemade.

If you have leftover bread in the kitchen, don’t throw it away. Turn it into this simple, nostalgic pudding instead.

SEO Title

Classic Bread and Butter Pudding – Easy Old-Fashioned Recipe

Meta Description

Make this classic Bread and Butter Pudding with buttery bread, creamy vanilla custard, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg. An easy, comforting old-fashioned dessert.