Jamie Oliver Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Butter Pudding is a warm, comforting, and nostalgic dessert made with soft, custard-soaked bread baked until golden on top and creamy inside. It’s one of the easiest classic British desserts to prepare, turning simple pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, and sugar into something rich and indulgent.

What Makes This Recipe Worth Trying

• A classic dessert that’s incredibly easy to make
  Uses everyday ingredients but delivers a rich, custardy treat with very little effort.
• Perfect way to use leftover or stale bread
  Older bread absorbs custard beautifully, preventing waste.
• Soft inside, golden on top
  The contrast of creamy layers and crisp edges makes every bite satisfying.
• Customisable with endless flavour additions
  Add chocolate, citrus, dried fruit, or spices to suit your taste.
• Great for feeding families or guests
  Bakes in one dish and serves generously — ideal for gatherings or cosy evenings.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Butter Pudding?

It’s a British baked dessert made by layering buttered bread slices in a dish, soaking them in vanilla custard, and baking until the top is golden and the centre is soft and creamy. Jamie Oliver’s version keeps the method simple but flavourful.

More recipes to add to your list

• Jamie Oliver Pear Tarte Tatin
• Jamie Oliver Yorkshire Puddings With Water

Jamie Oliver Bread and Butter Pudding Ingredients List

• 8–10 slices of stale white bread or brioche
• 50g soft butter (for spreading)
• 100g raisins, sultanas, or mixed dried fruit
• 500ml whole milk (or half milk, half cream)
• 3 large eggs
• 75g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Bread and Butter Pudding – Simple Steps

Step 1: Prepare the bread

Butter each slice generously. Cut into triangles or strips. Using stale bread helps it absorb more custard and creates a better texture.

Step 2: Layer the bread in a baking dish

Arrange buttered bread slices in overlapping layers. Scatter dried fruit between layers so the sweetness is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the custard mixture

In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Add lemon or orange zest if you want a fragrant, citrusy flavour.

Step 4: Pour custard over the bread

Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread layers. Press the bread gently so it absorbs the custard. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes so flavours soak in fully.

Step 5: Bake until golden and set

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes, until the pudding is golden on top and has a soft, creamy interior. The custard should be set but still delicate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver Bread and Butter Pudding

• Using fresh bread can make it soggy
  Stale bread absorbs custard better, preventing mushy layers.
• Rushing the soaking step reduces creaminess
  Allowing the bread to sit in the custard is essential for a rich texture.
• Skipping butter reduces flavour
  Buttered slices give the pudding its classic golden, crispy top.
• Baking on high heat causes curdling
  Moderate heat keeps the custard smooth and silky.
• Overpacking the dish compresses layers
  Leave room for custard to flow between slices.

Delicious Sides to Serve With Jamie Oliver Bread and Butter Pudding

• Custard – Smooth and warm
  Enhances the creamy texture and adds nostalgia to the dessert.
• Vanilla ice cream – Cold and sweet
  Melts over the warm pudding for a perfect contrast.
• Whipped cream – Light and airy
  Softens the richness of the dish beautifully.
• Caramel sauce – Sweet and indulgent
  Adds glossy sweetness to every spoonful.
• Berries – Fresh and tart
  Brightens the dessert and balances the richness.

Expert Tips for Better Flavour and Texture

• Use brioche or croissants for a richer pudding
  Their buttery texture creates an even more indulgent dessert.
• Warm the milk before mixing
  Helps sugar dissolve smoothly and improves custard texture.
• Sprinkle sugar on top before baking
  Creates a caramelised, golden crust.
• Use cinnamon sparingly
  A little adds warmth without overwhelming the custard.
• Let the pudding rest before serving
  This helps the custard settle and makes slicing easier.

How to Add More Flavour to This Recipe

• Add chocolate chips
  Melts into the custard for extra richness.
• Use rum-soaked raisins
  Introduces deeper flavour with a grown-up twist.
• Add orange liqueur
  Pairs beautifully with dried fruit and vanilla.
• Mix in apple slices
  Adds sweetness and texture.
• Add toasted nuts
  Provides crunch and contrast.

How to Adjust This Recipe for Kids

• Use soft white bread or brioche
  Gives a gentle, smooth texture that children enjoy.
• Reduce spices
  Keep flavours mild and familiar.
• Add chocolate pieces instead of dried fruit
  More appealing for picky eaters.
• Serve warm, not hot
  Ensures safe and comfortable eating.
• Skip alcohol-based additions
  Keep it child-friendly.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Butter Pudding Gluten-Free?

Not by default. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check that all flavourings (vanilla, spices) are certified gluten-free.

Best Way to Store Leftovers

• Cool the pudding before storing
  Prevents steam from softening the top.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container
  Keeps the pudding fresh for 3–4 days.
• Store sauce separately
  Helps preserve texture and flavour.
• Freeze portions for up to 1 month
  Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date containers
  Useful for meal planning.

Best Ways to Reheat Leftovers

• Oven: 160°C for 10 minutes
  Restores warmth and keeps the top slightly crisp.
• Microwave: Short bursts
  Convenient, but softens the top layer.
• Air fryer: Quick crisping
  Revives the golden crust beautifully.
• Add a splash of milk if dry
  Brings moisture back.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~340
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 14g
• Fibre: 2g

FAQs

How do I stop bread and butter pudding from going soggy?

Use stale bread and allow it to soak in the custard for at least 10–15 minutes before baking. This helps the bread absorb the liquid evenly and prevents sogginess. Baking at a moderate temperature also keeps the custard creamy instead of watery.

Should bread and butter pudding be eaten hot or cold?

It is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the custard is creamy, and the top is golden. However, it can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, and the flavours often deepen after chilling.

Why is my bread and butter pudding not setting properly?

If the pudding is still runny, it likely needs more baking time. The custard should be set but still soft when you gently shake the dish. Too much milk or not enough eggs can also prevent the custard from thickening.

Can I make bread and butter pudding ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving. This helps the bread absorb the custard fully and often improves the texture and flavour.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Bread and Butter Pudding turns simple ingredients into a warm, comforting, and creamy dessert. With rich custard, golden edges, and soft layers, it’s a timeless British classic that never disappoints. A perfect choice for family gatherings, cold nights, or whenever you need a sweet, cosy treat.

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