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Soft Bread & Butter Pudding
A beloved classic that uses up leftover bread beautifully
EASY MEALS FOR ELDERLY PARENTS
6/2/20263 min read
Bread and butter pudding is one of the great British and Australian comfort desserts - and for very good reason.
It's warm, custardy, gently sweet and has a soft yielding texture that is absolutely perfect for elderly parents. The bread soaks up the beautiful vanilla custard mixture and bakes into something that is simultaneously homely and indulgent. The top becomes lightly golden while the inside stays soft and spoonable.
It's also one of the most economical desserts you can make - using up bread that is a day or two old and turning it into something genuinely wonderful. Mum always says this is her most requested dessert and I believe her. It disappears very quickly.
Why This Recipe Works for Elderly Parents
Soft and easy to eat - the bread soaks in custard becoming completely soft throughout
Warm and comforting - particularly appealing to elderly parents with reduced appetite
Familiar and beloved - one of the most nostalgic desserts for elderly Australians and British parents
Economical - uses up day-old bread that might otherwise be wasted
Nourishing - eggs and milk provide protein and calcium
Can be made ahead - assemble the night before and bake on the day
Recipe Details
Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes soaking Cook time: 35–40 minutes Freeze: Not recommended
Ingredients
8–10 slices soft white or brioche bread (day old is perfect)
50g butter, softened
3 tbsp good quality strawberry or apricot jam (optional but lovely)
3 large eggs
300ml full cream milk
200ml thickened cream
3 tbsp caster sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp sultanas or raisins (optional)
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Extra caster sugar for the top
Method
Step 1 - Prepare the bread Butter each slice of bread generously on one side. If using jam spread a thin layer over the butter on some of the slices - this adds a lovely sweetness and a beautiful jammy layer throughout the pudding.
Step 2 - Layer the bread Arrange the buttered bread slices overlapping slightly in a greased baking dish (approximately 25 x 20cm). Scatter sultanas or raisins between the layers if using.
Step 3 - Make the custard Whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, caster sugar and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread. Press the bread down gently with your hands to help it absorb the custard.
Step 4 - Soak Allow to stand for at least 30 minutes - or cover and refrigerate overnight. The longer the bread soaks the softer and more custardy the final result. For elderly parents overnight soaking gives the most tender result.
Step 5 - Bake Preheat oven to 170°C. Dust the top of the pudding lightly with extra caster sugar and a pinch of nutmeg. Bake for 35–40 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the custard is just set with a slight wobble in the centre.
Step 6 - Rest and serve Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of warm custard or a spoonful of thick cream.
Serving Suggestions
Warm pouring custard drizzled generously over the top
A small scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream
A spoonful of thick double cream
Simply on its own — it's perfect just as it is
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool completely, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or in a low oven covered with foil until warmed through.
Freezer: Not recommended - the custard separates when frozen.
Kim's Tips
💕 Day old bread is actually better - slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more evenly and gives a better texture than very fresh soft bread which can become too soggy.
💕 Brioche makes a special version - if you want to make this feel particularly luxurious use brioche bread instead of white sandwich bread. The buttery richness is wonderful.
💕 Overnight soaking gives the best result - if you have time assemble the pudding the night before and refrigerate it overnight. The bread absorbs every drop of custard and the result is extraordinary.
💕 Don't overbake - the custard should still have a gentle wobble in the centre when you take it out. It will continue to set as it rests. Overbaked bread and butter pudding is dry and rubbery.
💕 The jam layers are the secret - don't skip the jam. It adds little pockets of sweetness throughout the pudding that make it feel special and indulgent without being overly sweet.
What You'll Need
A standard rectangular baking dish is all you need for this recipe. I've linked my favourite on my Amazon storefront.
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This one is such a hug in a bowl - I'd love to hear if it became a favourite! Leave a comment below or come and find me on Instagram. You're not doing this alone. 💕