Delia Smith’s Bread Pudding is a comforting, traditional dessert that’s perfect for using up leftover bread. Packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of citrus, this bread pudding is rich, moist, and bursting with flavor. It’s a wonderful dessert to enjoy with family or serve at gatherings.
What is Delia Smith Bread Pudding?
Delia Smith’s Bread Pudding is a classic British dessert made by soaking stale bread in a spiced custard mixture, and then baking it with dried fruits and citrus zest. The result is a dense, moist pudding that’s flavorful and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings or nostalgic family meals.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for leftovers: Makes excellent use of stale bread.
- Rich and hearty: A comforting dessert with bold flavors.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Customizable: Add your favorite dried fruits or nuts.
- Great for sharing: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Stale bread – 400g, roughly torn into pieces.
- Mixed dried fruits – 250g, such as sultanas, currants, and raisins.
- Milk – 600ml, for soaking the bread.
- Butter – 100g, melted, adds richness.
- Dark brown sugar – 100g, for sweetness.
- Eggs – 2 large, for binding.
- Mixed spice – 1 teaspoon, adds warm flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, complements the spice.
- Orange zest – Zest of 1 orange, adds brightness.
- Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon, for a tangy touch.
- Demerara sugar – 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling on top.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish (approximately 20x20cm)
- Wooden spoon
- Grater
- Spatula
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
- Place the torn bread pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Use your hands or a fork to mash the bread until it forms a soft mixture.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
- Stir in the melted butter, dark brown sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, orange zest, lemon zest, and dried fruits.
- Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to the bread mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the surface for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature with cream, custard, or ice cream.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Custard: A classic pairing for added creaminess.
- Whipped cream: Lightens the richness of the pudding.
- Ice cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream works beautifully.
- Caramel sauce: Adds indulgence to the dessert.
- Fresh berries: Provides a refreshing contrast.
- Hot tea or coffee: A warm beverage to complement the flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread: It absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
- Don’t skimp on the soaking: Ensure the bread is fully softened for a moist pudding.
- Customize the fruits: Add chopped apricots, cranberries, or nuts for variety.
- Check doneness: The pudding should be firm and golden on top when baked.
- Serve warm: The flavors are best enjoyed when the pudding is slightly warm.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Chocolate bread pudding: Add chunks of dark chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nutty version: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Apple addition: Add finely chopped apples for extra moisture and flavor.
- Boozy option: Soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy before mixing.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread for a coeliac-friendly version.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Room temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze for future use: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Oven method: Reheat at 150°C (300°F) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave option: Heat individual portions for 20–30 seconds until warm.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Bread Pudding Healthier?
- Use whole wheat bread for added fiber.
- Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey.
- Reduce the butter slightly and substitute with unsweetened applesauce.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Bread Pudding is a comforting and flavorful dessert that brings together the best of traditional ingredients and warm spices. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, this recipe is a timeless classic. Try it today and enjoy the nostalgic taste of homemade bread pudding!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Vanilla Custard
- Delia Smith Swiss Roll
- Mary Berry Pavlova Wreath
- Mary Berry Strawberry Pavlova
Delia Smith Bread Pudding
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith’s Bread Pudding is a classic British dessert made by soaking stale bread in a spiced custard mixture, and then baking it with dried fruits and citrus zest. The result is a dense, moist pudding that’s flavorful and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings or nostalgic family meals.
Ingredients
- Stale bread – 400g, roughly torn into pieces.
- Mixed dried fruits – 250g, such as sultanas, currants, and raisins.
- Milk – 600ml, for soaking the bread.
- Butter – 100g, melted, adds richness.
- Dark brown sugar – 100g, for sweetness.
- Eggs – 2 large, for binding.
- Mixed spice – 1 teaspoon, adds warm flavor.
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, complements the spice.
- Orange zest – Zest of 1 orange, adds brightness.
- Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon, for a tangy touch.
- Demerara sugar – 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling on top.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
- Place the torn bread pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Use your hands or a fork to mash the bread until it forms a soft mixture.
Step 3: Add the Flavors
- Stir in the melted butter, dark brown sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, orange zest, lemon zest, and dried fruits.
- Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl and add them to the bread mixture.
- Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the surface for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the pudding is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving.
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature with cream, custard, or ice cream.
