Name: Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: Brioche bread – 8 slices, buttered and halved diagonally.; Butter – 50g, softened, for spreading on the brioche.; Eggs – 4 large, for the custard base.; Milk – 300ml, for a creamy custard.; Double cream – 300ml, adds richness.; Caster sugar – 75g, for sweetness.; Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor.; Mixed dried fruits – 75g, such as sultanas, raisins, or currants.; Demerara sugar – 2 tablespoons, for a crunchy topping.

Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is a luxurious twist on the classic British dessert. Made with buttery brioche slices, rich custard, and a hint of sweetness from dried fruits, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

What is Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding?

Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is a creamy and indulgent dessert made by layering slices of brioche bread in a baking dish, soaking them in a vanilla-flavored custard, and baking until golden and set. The use of brioche adds a buttery richness, while the custard creates a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Rich and indulgent: Perfect for special occasions or comforting family meals.
Easy to prepare: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Great for leftovers: A creative way to use up stale brioche or bread.
Customizable: Add your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or flavorings.
Crowd-pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Brioche bread – 8 slices, buttered and halved diagonally.
Butter – 50g, softened, for spreading on the brioche.
Eggs – 4 large, for the custard base.
Milk – 300ml, for a creamy custard.
Double cream – 300ml, adds richness.
Caster sugar – 75g, for sweetness.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor.
Mixed dried fruits – 75g, such as sultanas, raisins, or currants.
Demerara sugar – 2 tablespoons, for a crunchy topping.

Equipment Needed

Baking dish (approximately 9×6 inches)
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Small saucepan

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
Grease the baking dish with a little butter.

Step 2: Layer the Brioche

Spread butter on one side of each brioche slice.
Arrange the buttered slices in the greased baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
Sprinkle the mixed dried fruits evenly between the layers of brioche.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and cream until smooth.

Step 4: Soak the Brioche

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the brioche slices, ensuring all the bread is soaked.
Allow the dish to sit for 10–15 minutes to let the bread absorb the custard fully.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the demerara sugar evenly over the top of the pudding for a golden, crunchy crust.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Let the pudding rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with cream, custard, or ice cream.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Custard: A classic accompaniment for extra creaminess.
Vanilla ice cream: Perfect for a warm pudding.
Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy touch.
Fruit compote: A tangy contrast to the richness.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle for added indulgence.
Fresh berries: Brighten up the dish with freshness.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Use a slightly stale brioche: It absorbs the custard better.
Butter generously: Adds flavor and prevents sogginess.
Let the custard soak: Ensures a moist and creamy texture throughout.
Experiment with add-ins: Try chocolate chips, orange zest, or nuts for variation.
Serve warm: The pudding is best enjoyed straight from the oven.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Chocolate version: Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the custard.
Spiced pudding: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
Citrus twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the custard.
Nutty topping: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans on top.
Berry delight: Include fresh or frozen berries between the layers.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Allow the pudding to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding

Oven method: Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Microwave option: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g

FAQs

Can I make brioche bread and butter pudding in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

Can I use other types of bread instead of brioche?

Yes, you can use challah, croissants, or even stale white bread as substitutes. However, brioche adds a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the pudding.

How do I stop bread and butter pudding from becoming soggy?

Allow the custard to soak into the bread for 10–15 minutes before baking, and make sure the pudding is baked until the custard is fully set and the top is golden brown.

Can I freeze bread and butter pudding?

Yes, the pudding can be frozen after baking. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding is a comforting and indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for a deliciously nostalgic treat!

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