Scrumptious Bread and Butter Pudding: A Taste Test Showdown
The classic comfort food, bread and butter pudding, has seen a delightful head-to-head competition. Mary Berry’s renowned recipe, while delicious, clocks in at 90 minutes. However, a competitor recipe cuts the prep time significantly, promising the same delightful results in just 65 minutes. This begs the question: which version reigns supreme in terms of speed and taste?
A Star-Studded Comparison: Ratings and Reviews
While both recipes deliver a warm, comforting dessert, the reviews reveal a fascinating disparity. Mary Berry’s recipe garnered an average of 4.5 stars from 41 reviewers. In contrast, the BBC Good Food recipe boasts a perfect 5-star rating from a significantly larger group of 85 reviewers, with one reviewer calling it a “delicious dessert that’s become a firm favourite… quick and easy to make, and goes down like a treat”. This highlights the subjective nature of taste and the importance of individual preferences in culinary matters.
Recipe Recreation: The Delicious Details
Despite the slight variations in prep time and star ratings, both recipes aim for the same delicious goal. Here’s a closer look at the steps to recreate this beloved dish at home, focusing on efficiency and ease of preparation:
Ingredients:
* 250ml full-fat milk
* 300ml double cream
* 1 vanilla pod (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
* 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
* 3 tbsp golden caster sugar
* 8 slices day-old white bread
* 50g softened salted butter (plus extra for greasing)
* 75g mixed sultanas and currants (or other dried fruit)
* Zest of half a lemon
* 2 tbsp demerara sugar
Instructions:
1.
Custard Preparation:
Gently heat the milk, cream, and vanilla in a saucepan. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and sugar. Slowly add the warm milk mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly.2.
Bread Preparation:
Butter the bread, cut the crusts, and cut into triangles.3.
Assembly:
Butter an ovenproof dish. Layer half the bread, sprinkle with half the fruit mixture (fruit and lemon zest), add the remaining bread, and top with the rest of the fruit.4.
Soaking and Baking:
Pour the custard over the bread, allowing it to soak for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 35-40 minutes.Tips for Baking Perfection
* Using day-old bread is essential for achieving the right texture. The slightly stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, or a combination of your favorites will work wonders.
* Watch the pudding closely as it bakes to prevent over-browning.
* Serve warm with a dollop of custard or cream for an extra decadent treat. This simple addition enhances the overall taste and texture.
Conclusion: Your Bread and Butter Pudding Awaits
Ultimately, the choice between Mary Berry’s recipe and the faster alternative is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose to invest a bit more time in the classic version or opt for the quicker method, the end result is sure to be a delightful, comforting, and delicious bread and butter pudding. Experiment, enjoy, and discover your perfect bread and butter pudding experience!
