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The Recipe · No.637 · Bread and Butter Pudding

Bread and Butter Pudding, and where to source it

Bread and Butter Pudding — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Bread and Butter Pudding British 5best2buy.com

This turns stale bread into something worth eating, so the custard has to be rich and the bread left to soak it up before baking. Let the dish sit 20 minutes so the bread drinks the custard, or the top browns while the middle stays dry.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook45 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineBritish
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains  dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Bread
Day-old white bread or brioche soaks up the custard without turning to mush.
8 slices
Butter
Spread on every slice; it is what crisps the exposed edges in the oven.
4 tbsp
Eggs
The custard base; whisk whole eggs with the sugar until smooth.
4
Milk and cream
A mix of both makes a custard rich enough to carry the dish.
2.5 cups
Sugar
Sweetens the custard and a sprinkle on top helps the surface caramelize.
1/2 cup
Raisins
Scattered between the layers, they plump in the custard as it bakes.
1/2 cup
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Sheet pan
The Method
  1. Butter and layerButter the bread, cut into triangles, and layer in a dish with raisins scattered between.
  2. Make custardWhisk eggs, sugar, and a splash of vanilla, then whisk in the warmed milk and cream.
  3. SoakPour the custard over the bread and let it stand 20 minutes so the bread soaks it up.
  4. BakeSprinkle sugar on top and bake at 350F for 45 minutes until set with a golden, puffed top.
The Toolkit

Baking dish · Mixing bowl · Whisk · Saucepan · Butter knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Bread and Butter Pudding in an air fryer? — Sometimes

You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.

Can you freeze Bread and Butter Pudding? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make Bread and Butter Pudding ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.

Is Bread and Butter Pudding gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Bread and Butter Pudding vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan

It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.637

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