James Martin’s Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe: A Classic Sunday Lunch Dessert

## James Martin’s Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe: A Classic Sunday Lunch Dessert

There’s nothing quite like a comforting bread and butter pudding to end a hearty Sunday lunch. This classic dessert, often featured by renowned chef James Martin, is a simple yet satisfying treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and pantry staples. While James Martin uses standard white bread, you can also experiment with croissants for a richer, flakier texture. No matter what type of bread you choose, the key is to create a luscious, custard-soaked pudding with a golden-brown crust.

Ingredients you’ll need:

* One loaf of white bread, sliced
* 100g butter
* Four eggs
* 300ml milk
* 300ml double cream
* Sultanas
* 200g caster sugar
* One tsp vanilla bean paste
* Two tbsp icing sugar
* Ice cream (for serving)

Method:

1.

Preheat and prepare:

Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). Melt the butter in a pan and remove the crusts from the bread. Cut each slice into triangular halves and arrange them in a 20x10cm ovenproof dish. Scatter sultanas evenly over the bread.

2.

Create the custard:

In a separate bowl, gently warm the milk and cream with vanilla bean paste. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and frothy. Gradually add the warmed milk and cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.

3.

Soaking and baking:

Pour the melted butter over the bread in the dish, followed by the custard mixture. Allow the bread to soak in the custard for about 20 minutes. Add more custard as needed, ensuring all the bread is well-soaked.

4.

Bake to perfection:

Bake the pudding for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Once baked, generously dust with icing sugar and caramelize the top using a blowtorch or a hot grill for an extra touch of sweetness.

5.

Serve and enjoy:

Serve your warm bread and butter pudding with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a truly delightful dessert experience.

Tips and variations:

*

Go fruity:

Add other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots to the pudding for additional flavor and sweetness.
*

Nutty delight:

Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the bread before soaking for a crunchy texture.
*

Boozy twist:

Add a splash of brandy or rum to the custard for an extra kick.
*

Spiced up:

Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice to the custard for a warm, comforting flavor.

With its simplicity and endless possibilities for customization, James Martin’s bread and butter pudding is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Give it a try and savor the sweet, comforting flavors of this timeless classic.