Irish Bread and Butter Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
A decadent and comforting dessert made from stale bread soaked in a rich custard, baked until golden, and served with a warm, boozy whiskey sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 slices Good quality white bread(crusts removed)
- 50 g Butter(softened)
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 200 g Sultanas (golden raisins)(or raisins)
- 4 large Large eggs(lightly beaten)
- 450 ml Heavy cream
- 225 ml Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 175 g Sugar(granulated)
- 1 pinch Salt
- Irish Whiskey Sauce Ingredients:
- 140 g Butter
- 115 g Sugar(granulated)
- 1 large Whole egg(beaten)
- 50 ml Irish Whiskey
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Butter one side of each bread slice. Arrange 4 slices, buttered-side down, in a single layer in an 8x8 inch baking pan. Sprinkle with half the nutmeg and sultanas.
- 2
Arrange another layer of 4 bread slices, buttered-side down, over the fruit. Sprinkle with the remaining nutmeg and sultanas. Top with the final 4 slices of bread, buttered-side down.
- 3
In a bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, 175g sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture evenly over the bread through a fine sieve.
- 4
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it comes halfway up the sides of the smaller baking pan (this is a water bath).
- 5
Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is crisp and golden brown. Remove the pudding from the water bath and let it cool slightly.
- 6
While the pudding bakes, prepare the whiskey sauce. Melt 140g butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 115g sugar and stir until dissolved. Whisk in the beaten egg vigorously, then add the 50ml Irish whiskey. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened to a sauce consistency.
- 7
Serve the bread and butter pudding warm, drizzled with the Irish whiskey sauce.
💡 Tip: Garnish with a dusting of nutmeg or a sprig of mint.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using slightly stale bread is key as it absorbs the custard better.
- ✓Don't skip the water bath; it prevents the pudding from drying out.
- ✓Adjust the amount of whiskey in the sauce to your preference.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of sliced apples or pears between the bread layers.
- Use brioche or challah bread for a richer pudding.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the whiskey and add a teaspoon of almond extract to the sauce.