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Stale bread might not seem appealing, but it’s the perfect base for a warming and nostalgic dessert: bread and butter pudding.
With a touch of Christmas magic in the form of festive spices and leftover cream, you can transform otherwise wasted bread into a comforting treat.
Why Save Bread?
Bread is one of the most wasted food items in the UK, with millions of loaves thrown away every year. Over Christmas, when households stock up on more food than they can often eat, bread waste increases. By making bread and butter pudding, not only do you reduce waste, but you also create a heartwarming dessert that perfectly complements the holiday spirit.
What You’ll Need
This recipe makes use of common Christmas leftovers, like cream and stale bread, as well as spices you likely already have in your cupboard.
Ingredients:
6–8 slices of stale bread (brioche or panettone work wonderfully for added richness, but any bread will do)
50g butter (softened, for spreading)
Jam or cranberry jelly, also for spreading
300ml cream (single or double, depending on what you have) or add a dollop of Clotted Cream if you have any
200ml milk
3 large eggs
75g caster sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp mixed spice
1 tsp vanilla extract
A handful of dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, or cranberries)
Optional: zest of one orange for a trully festive twist
Method
Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
Prepare the Bread: butter each slice of bread, spread with jam or cranberry jelly, then cut into triangles or squares. Layer them in a greased baking dish, slightly overlapping, and scatter the dried fruits between the layers.
Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and spices until smooth. Warm the cream and milk gently in a saucepan (do not boil), then slowly whisk into the egg mixture. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest if using.
Combine: Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing down gently so the bread soaks up the liquid. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden on top and set in the middle.
Serve: Enjoy warm with custard, cream, or a drizzle of brandy sauce.
Tips for Success
Use What You Have: Stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
Spice It Up: Experiment with cardamom, cloves, or star anise for an even more festive flavour.
Leftovers Galore: Add any leftover mincemeat or crushed Christmas biscuits for an extra indulgent twist.
A Holiday Tradition Worth Adopting
Making bread and butter pudding isn’t just a practical way to reduce waste; it’s also a chance to create a new family tradition.
With its rich custard, aromatic spices, and golden crust, this pudding is a festive delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This Christmas, let’s honour the joy of good food by using every crumb—and enjoying every bite!
Incidentally, my wife cooked this recipe today as a test. And believe me: You will enjoy every bite!