British Favourites

British Favourites is a easy British recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mary Berry on YouTube.

Prep: 42 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min

Cost: $9.60 total, $1.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 slices White Bread (day‑old, crusts removed)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 lemon Lemon (zested only)
  • 100 g Sultanas (rinsed and drained)
  • 4 pcs Large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 80 g Caster Sugar (granulated)
  • 300 ml Whole Milk (full‑fat)
  • 200 ml Double Cream (heavy cream)
  • 30 g Brown Sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Butter the Bread

    Spread softened butter evenly on each slice of bread, then cut the slices into squares or triangles as preferred.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Layer Bread and Sultanas

    Arrange a layer of buttered bread, butter‑side up, in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half the sultanas over the bread, then repeat with another layer of bread and the remaining sultanas.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Lemon Zest

    Zest one lemon over the assembled bread and fruit layers.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Prepare the Custard Base

    In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly thick.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Incorporate Milk and Cream

    Gradually whisk in the whole milk followed by the double cream, creating a smooth custard.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Pour Custard Over Bread

    Evenly pour the custard over the layered bread, ensuring all pieces are saturated.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Rest to Soak

    Let the assembled pudding sit for 10 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 160°C fan (320°F).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 160°C

  9. Add Topping Sugar

    Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the surface of the pudding.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake

    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 160°C

  11. Rest Before Serving

    Allow the pudding to rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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British Favourites

Recipe by Mary Berry

A timeless British comfort dessert made with buttered slices of white bread, sultanas, and a rich custard of milk, cream, eggs, and sugar. Baked until the top is golden and caramelised, this pudding is perfect for a nostalgic river picnic or a cozy family dinner.

EasyBritishServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
47m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.60
Total cost
$1.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Butter each slice of bread thoroughly.
  • Pour and soak the custard evenly into the bread layers.
  • Bake until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot baking dish with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • When whisking warm milk, do so away from the face to prevent splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Bread and Butter Pudding in British cuisine?

A

Bread and Butter Pudding originated in Victorian England as a way to use up stale bread, turning leftovers into a comforting dessert. It became a staple of British home cooking, especially for holiday meals and tea time, symbolising frugality and warmth.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of Bread and Butter Pudding exist in the United Kingdom?

A

In Scotland, a version called "Spotted Dick" adds suet and raisins, while in Wales, a splash of whisky or brandy is sometimes folded into the custard. Some English families add jam or marmalade between the bread slices for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is Bread and Butter Pudding traditionally served in British homes?

A

It is usually served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice‑cream. It often appears as a comforting finish to a Sunday roast or a festive Christmas dinner.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is Bread and Butter Pudding traditionally enjoyed in British culture?

A

Bread and Butter Pudding is popular at family gatherings, Christmas and New Year celebrations, and as a comforting treat on rainy afternoons. It is also a classic offering at tea parties and school canteens.

cultural
Q

What makes Mary Berry's Bread and Butter Pudding special within British dessert tradition?

A

Mary Berry emphasizes using high‑quality butter, fresh lemon zest, and a generous amount of double cream, giving the pudding a richer, silkier custard than many traditional versions. Her method also stresses a gentle bake at 160°C for a perfectly set interior.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Bread and Butter Pudding?

A

Common errors include using fresh bread that becomes soggy, under‑seasoning the custard, and baking at too high a temperature which burns the top before the centre sets. Following Mary Berry's low‑heat bake and using day‑old bread prevents these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this Bread and Butter Pudding recipe use both whole milk and double cream instead of just milk?

A

The combination creates a custard that is both light from the milk and luxuriously rich from the cream, giving the pudding a velvety texture and a deeper flavor that plain milk cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make Mary Berry's Bread and Butter Pudding ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can assemble the pudding up to 24 hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers keep in the fridge for two days or freeze for up to a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when Mary Berry's Bread and Butter Pudding is done cooking?

A

The top should be a deep golden brown with a caramelised crust, while the interior should be set but still slightly wobbling in the centre. A skewer inserted should come out clean, and the pudding should feel firm to the touch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mary Berry specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mary Berry specializes in classic British home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials of traditional recipes, baking techniques, and seasonal dishes presented with Mary Berry’s warm, approachable style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mary Berry's approach to British cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Mary Berry’s channel focuses on timeless, family‑friendly recipes with an emphasis on technique clarity, comfort, and using readily available ingredients, whereas many other channels chase trendy or experimental cuisine.

channel

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