How to Make British Bread Pudding

British bread pudding is very different from the American classic. It's infused with spices and is traditionally made with whole wheat bread so for a dark and rich dessert. If you're looking for a delicious fall or winter treat, here's how to make a traditional British bread pudding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 6 1/2 cups whole wheat bread, cubed
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup fresh butter
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dates
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg
• Large mixing bowl
• 9 inch square baking pan
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Make bread mixture. Combine the bread with milk in a large bowl, and let the mixture soak for at least 10 minutes.
3. Make pudding batter. Beat the egg then stir into bread mixture. Add raisins, dates, brown sugar, and spices and combine thoroughly.
4. Pour mixture into baking pan and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Pudding should be dense and compact in the pan.
5. Bake for 35 minutes until the top is golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut into squares while still in pan.
7. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make this dessert even more rich by serving with a spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.
• British bread pudding is even better the day after, so refrigerate it overnight when you can.
• Use dried mixed fruit in place of the dates for variation.
• Slices of the bread pudding can be fried lightly and topped with sugar and whipped cream for another treat.
• Leftover bagels, baguette bread, or hard rolls also work well instead of bread slices.
• The pudding must be cooled before serving, or it will become mushy.