Dessert · Easy

Bread Pudding

Dense, warmly spiced British bread pudding with dried fruit, citrus zest, and a crisp sugared top.

Published

⏱ 95 min🍽 9 servings🔥 410 cal
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Bread Pudding

Watch the tutorial

Video: John Kirkwood

Ingredients

  • 300 g stale bread, torn
  • 500 ml whole milk
  • 100 g raisins
  • 75 g mixed peel
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 50 g melted butter
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp demerara sugar

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

  1. Step 1.Set out every measured ingredient before turning on the heat, then prepare the vegetables, protein, seasonings, and serving pieces so the recipe moves smoothly without rushed chopping.
  2. Step 2.Warm the main pan or oven dish gradually and add the cooking fat, using medium heat so the aromatics can soften and release flavor without scorching on the base.
  3. Step 3.Add the primary savory ingredients in the order listed, stirring patiently so each piece is coated with the seasoning and begins to build color before liquid is added.
  4. Step 4.Pour in the measured liquid or sauce ingredients, scrape the browned bits from the pan, and bring the mixture to a steady simmer rather than an aggressive boil.
  5. Step 5.Cook until the texture matches the recipe: meat should be tender and safe, potatoes or rice should be fully cooked, and sauces should coat the spoon without tasting raw.
  6. Step 6.Taste carefully near the end and adjust only with the listed salt, pepper, lemon, vinegar, or herbs so the finished recipe remains aligned with the demonstrated tutorial.
  7. Step 7.Rest the finished dish briefly off the heat, allowing starches, dairy, meat juices, or sauces to settle before slicing, spooning, or plating for clean presentation.
  8. Step 8.Serve while warm with the suggested accompaniments, keeping crisp elements uncovered and creamy or saucy elements gently stirred so the final plate has the intended texture.

HELPFUL NOTES

Tips, Substitutions & Storage

Extra guidance to help you get a reliable result, avoid common problems, and know what to do with leftovers.

✓ Recipe Tips

  • Soak bread until fully soft.
  • Squeeze excess milk only lightly.
  • Cool before cutting neat squares.

! Common Mistakes

  • Dry bread pockets create a rough texture.
  • Too much squeezing makes the pudding heavy.
  • Cutting hot pudding causes crumbling.

↔ Substitutions

  • Use sultanas instead of raisins.
  • Use orange zest instead of lemon.
  • Use caster sugar if brown sugar is unavailable.

⌂ Storage & Reheating

  • Keep airtight for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently or serve cold.
  • Freeze squares for up to 2 months.