Fine Desserts

Butter and Jam Bread Pudding Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes
Indulge in an irresistible Butter and Jam Bread Pudding with this easy recipe. It's the ultimate heartwarming treat perfect for any occasion.
Butter and Jam Bread Pudding is served in a golden-edge white ceramic dessert bowl with a scoop of ice cream on top and a silver spoon. The bread is baked golden-brown and slightly crispy on top, glistening with melted butter and vibrant red strawberry jam. The rich velvety custard is visible through the brioche's edges. The rest is in the white baking dish in the top right corner of the image.

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: This Butter and Jam Bread Pudding Recipe is a baked custardy dessert full of the comforting flavors of buttery brioche and strawberry jam. Everyone from toddlers to grannies will adore this sweet and simple treat. Putting this cozy dish together couldn’t be easier—if you can make a jam sandwich, you’re halfway to tucking into a bowl of creamy bread pudding. Prep it ahead, let it come together in the fridge, and then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

I have fond memories of my Mum preparing heartwarming, delectably fragrant foods like this in Ireland, and they always seemed to be the perfect remedy for gloomy days and cold nights. Even now, I still adore hugs in a bowl from recipes like this one, which can transport me instantly back home! As we get into the autumn months, you’ll love serving this homey and scrumptious dessert. A dish of Butter and Jam Bread Pudding will warm you right up!

Table of Contents

Butter and Jam Bread Pudding is served in a golden-edge white ceramic dessert bowl with a scoop of ice cream on top and a silver spoon. The bread is baked golden-brown and slightly crispy on top, glistening with melted butter and vibrant red strawberry jam. The rich velvety custard is visible through the brioche's edges. The rest is in the white baking dish in the top right corner of the image.

What is Butter and Jam Bread Pudding?

  • Butter and Jam Bread Pudding is a dessert or breakfast dish made by soaking bread, butter, and jam base in vanilla custard. It’s baked until everything is moist and pillowy-soft in the middle, and golden brown and nicely crusty on top.
  • You can use various types of bread, such as brioche as I use here, white sandwich bread, baguettes, ciabatta, or challah bread. Use stale bread or toasted bread to whip up a warm and comforting dish that’s welcome in Ireland’s often blustery weather!
  • Other types of bread pudding include Italian strata, Indian double ka meetha, and Mexican capirotada.

Tools You Need to Make Butter and Jam Bread Pudding

Key Ingredients and Why

  • Brioche Loaf

    • Slices of golden brioche bread are the foundation of this bread pudding.
    • Brioche is an eggy bread with a luxurious spongy texture and a lightly sweet flavor. It’s called an enriched dough because it contains a higher level of fat, which comes from the butter and egg. Enriched dough breads are known for their tender crumb and deep flavor.
    • If your bread is still too moist and fresh, place slices in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes before starting this recipe.
  • Butter

    • Butter is spread on the bread in this recipe. It enriches the pudding’s texture and flavor.
    • Butter also helps crisp the pudding during baking.
    • How to Make Homemade Butter has easy directions for whipping up a fresh and flavorful batch in your kitchen!
  • Strawberry Jam

    • The sweet, bright, ripe flavor of strawberry jam is central to this pudding. Its bright, fruity taste is the ideal complement to the richness of the other ingredients.
    • Make your own strawberry jam for a wonderful fresh taste and the satisfaction of knowing you did it from scratch!
    • You could also use raspberry jam or orange marmalade.
  • Eggs

    • Eggs in the custard bind the pudding together and give it a rich flavor and a golden color.
    • For best results, use room-temperature eggs. My guide for How to Get Room Temperature Eggs will help you if you forget to take them out of the fridge.
  • Sugar

    • Sugar sweetens the custard, and it also aids in the caramelization of the top, giving the pudding an extra nutty, rich flavor note.
  • Milk

    • While milk gives the custard in this bread pudding a richer, velvety texture.
    • Whole milk contains a higher percentage of milk fat than reduced-fat milk or non-fat milk and gives a creamier result.
  • Vanilla

    • The warm and sweet taste of vanilla complements the buttery, fruity flavors, and gives the pudding a lovely aroma while cooking.
    • Learn how to make Homemade Vanilla Extract  and you’ll never go back to buying it!

How to Make Butter and Jam Bread Pudding

  • Make the bread and jam layer: Assemble the brioche, butter, and strawberry jam into six sandwiches. Layer them into a buttered baking dish.
  • Make the custard mixture: Stir the eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla together Pour over the sandwiches.
  • Let the mixture rest: Soak the pudding in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  • Cook the pudding: Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 50 to 60 minutes until puffy and golden.

Can I Make Butter and Jam Bread Pudding in Advance?

Yes, this recipe is great to make in advance!

  • Assemble the bread pudding, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, and up to 24 hours.
  • When you’re ready, uncover and bake as directed.

How to Store Butter and Jam Bread Pudding

Store Butter and jam Bread Pudding leftovers in the fridge for up to two days.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe egg-free?

No, I don’t recommend using egg substitutes in this Bread pudding recipe.

  • Can I use dairy-free milk in this recipe?

  • How do I keep my pudding from being soggy?

    • Bread that’s too fresh or moist can become mushy. If your bread isn’t stale, dry it out in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes before assembling the sandwiches.
    • Follow the instructions carefully so that you have the correct ratio of bread to custard.
  • How do I make sure my bread pudding isn’t dry?

    • Make sure the pudding soaks for at least 30 minutes before cooking so that the custard permeates the bread.
    • If your pudding is getting too browned, tent it with foil.
    • Be sure not to over-bake! The pudding shouldn’t be completely set in the middle. It will continue to set as it cools.

Butter and Jam Bread Pudding is baked to perfection in the whited baking dish. It has a golden-brown and slightly crispy top, glistening with melted butter from the base and vibrant red strawberry jam between slices of the brioche. The rich velvety custard is visible around edges.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

More Bread Pudding Recipes

Butter and Jam Bread Pudding Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes
Indulge in an irresistible Butter and Jam Bread Pudding with this easy recipe. It's the ultimate heartwarming treat perfect for any occasion.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Indulge in an irresistible Butter and Jam Bread Pudding with this easy recipe. It's the ultimate heartwarming treat perfect for any occasion.
Author: Gemma Stafford
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) butter, softened
  • ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) strawberry jam
  • 12 thin slices brioche (cut ½-inch thick)
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ cups (20 fl oz/600 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Butter a baking dish, about 9 x 13-inches.
  • Spread butter and jam on the bread and sandwich the bread together to make 6 sandwiches.
  • Cut the sandwiches diagonally across and layer in the buttered dish.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla and whisk to combine.
  • Pour the custard evenly over the slices and let soak for at least 30 minutes.
  • While the bread is soaking, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the pudding has risen and is golden in color.
  • Serve immediately, topped with vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)
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Ashley S
Ashley S
1 year ago

This was a very pleasant bread pudding! Sweet enough to be a dessert with some ice cream, but not too sweet to be breakfast. Love the easy assembly with any kind of bread and jelly I have on hand. I used a soft sliced sourdough that I dried in the oven. Will definitely make again with different variations.

Sma
Sma
1 year ago

Pudding is my favourite desert ever thanks for share it with us????

About Us

Meet Gemma

About Us

Meet Gemma

Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.

 

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