Picture this: a cozy Christmas evening, snow gently falling outside, and the smell of warm, sweet delights filling the air from your oven. That’s the essence of a perfect holiday scene. To bring a touch of traditional British charm to your festive table this year, why not try your hand at making a delightful Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding? This crowd-pleasing dessert is a comforting classic that will surely warm both hearts and stomachs on a cold winter night.
**Ingredients:**
– 8 slices of bread, preferably brioche or white bread
– 3-4 tablespoons of marmalade
– 50g of unsalted butter, softened
– 400ml of whole milk
– 150ml of double cream
– 3 large eggs
– 50g of caster sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1-2 tablespoons of demerara sugar (for sprinkling)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Spread the butter on one side of each bread slice generously and then spread marmalade on the other side.
3. Cut the bread into triangles or squares and arrange them in the baking dish with the marmalade sides facing up. Overlapping the slices slightly is encouraged for a beautiful presentation.
4. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over low heat until just simmering, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
6. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
7. Carefully pour the custard mixture over the prepared bread slices, ensuring that all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
8. Sprinkle the demerara sugar over the top of the pudding for a delicious caramelized finish.
9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
10. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
11. Serve your Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding to delighted friends and family, and watch their faces light up with joy as they savor each comforting, citrusy bite. This dessert is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy marmalade, creamy custard, and soft bread, making it a holiday favorite that will surely be requested year after year.
Create a delightful ambiance and indulge in the simple pleasures of the season with this easy-to-make and utterly delicious Marmalade Bread and Butter Pudding. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your Christmas festivities, making every bite a memorable experience for all who gather around your table.
