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When the weather turns chilly and the leaves begin to fall, I find myself craving something warm and comforting. That’s when the thought of a delicious Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding kicks in, filling my kitchen with a nostalgic aroma that transports me straight to cozy British tea times. This wonderfully simple dessert takes stale gluten-free bread and transforms it into a rich, custard-soaked treat that’s impossible to resist. Each spoonful offers a delightful contrast between the crisp, sugary top and the soft, squidgy interior, making it a true crowd-pleaser—even for those who may not be gluten-sensitive.

As I whisk together the custard, I’m reminded of all the happy moments spent sharing sweet treats with friends and family. Don’t worry if you think you’re short on ingredients; this recipe offers plenty of clever substitutions to fit your pantry. Whether you enjoy it warm with a drizzle of creamy custard or chilled as an evening treat, you’ll discover that this classic pudding is not just a dessert; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Let’s dive in!

Why is Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding a must-try?

Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe brings back memories of cherished British tea times, filling your home with an inviting aroma that soothes the soul.
Effortless Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a luxurious dessert that’s simple enough for any home cook.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, making it perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Friends and family will be delighted by the contrasting textures of the crisp top and the plush interior, ensuring it disappears fast!
Thoughtful Substitutions: Not only is it gluten-free, but there are plenty of options for dairy-free alternatives as well; check out the ingredient breakdown for tasty swaps!

Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding Ingredients

Satisfy your sweet cravings with these essential ingredients!

For the Pudding Base

Butter – Adds richness and flavor; substitute with a dairy-free spread for a vegan option.
Gluten Free White Bread – The main structure of the pudding; use stale bread for the best texture.
Milk – Provides moisture and creaminess; swap with plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Double Cream – Contributes a rich mouthfeel; replace with whole milk for a lighter custard.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; no substitutions recommended as they’re crucial for consistency.

For Flavoring

Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and flavor depth; opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Caster Sugar – Sweetens the dish; consider using coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
Nutmeg – Optional spice for added warmth; cinnamon could be used as an alternative for a cozy twist.

For the Add-Ins

Currants – Provide a chewy texture and sweetness; chocolate chips can be used for a fun flavor variation.
Demerera Sugar – Sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch; brown sugar can be a suitable substitute.

How to Make Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding

Preheat the oven to 180°C (Fan 160°C / Gas Mark 4). Grease a 20cm x 30cm baking dish with a teaspoon of butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated for a perfect golden finish.
Butter the gluten-free bread generously on both sides, then cut it into quarters (triangles). Layer the bread slices slightly overlapping in the prepared dish for an inviting presentation.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, double cream, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg in a bowl until well combined. This luscious custard mixture is the heart of your pudding!
Sprinkle currants (or chocolate chips) over the layered bread. Pour the custard mix evenly over the top and gently press the bread slices down so they soak up that delightful custard.
Sprinkle with demerera sugar for that signature crispy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, until the top is golden and the center feels just set.
Cool the pudding for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the custard to settle and makes it easier to slice.

Optional: Serve warm with a drizzle of custard for an indulgent treat.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding

Stale Bread is Best: Always use stale gluten-free bread for this pudding. It absorbs the custard beautifully, creating that perfect texture.
Soak Evenly: Make sure each bread slice is evenly soaked in the custard mix; gently press them down to ensure all pieces are moistened.
Customize Sweetness: Adjust the amount of caster sugar based on your taste; some may prefer a sweeter pudding while others might enjoy a more subtle flavor.
Crispy Top Trick: For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle a little more demerera sugar before baking, ensuring a delightful contrast to the soft pudding beneath.
Try Different Flavors: Feel free to play around with flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon, or swap in chocolate chips for a fun twist on this classic gluten-free dessert.

What to Serve with Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding?

For a complete dining experience that elevates this nostalgic British dessert, consider these delightful pairings.

Drizzled Custard: Adds a creamy richness that enhances the pudding’s luxurious texture, making each bite even more indulgent.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tart strawberries or raspberries offer a refreshing contrast, adding a burst of flavor that balances the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a rich backdrop to the cozy pudding.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pudding, creating a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
Tea: A warm cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast creates the perfect pairing, enveloping your taste buds in comfort and nostalgia.
Fruit Compote: A homemade berry or apple compote adds an extra splash of fruity goodness, making the dish even more delightful and vibrant.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce adds a luxurious touch, elevating the dessert to chocolaty heaven.
Spiced Chai: The aromatic spices of a chai tea serve as a comforting beverage that complements the warm flavors of the pudding.

How to Store and Freeze Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding

Fridge: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the pudding in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the pudding in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until warm throughout. This will help maintain its deliciously soft interior.

Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and tailor it to your taste buds with these delightful tweaks!

Chocolate Chip: Swap out currants for chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth.
Cinnamon Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor that perfectly enhances the custard. The sweet aroma will waft through your kitchen!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk and coconut cream instead of double cream for a creamy, plant-based version.
Coconut Sugar: Substitute caster sugar with coconut sugar to add a caramel-esque flavor; it also gives a nice depth to the sweetness.
Mixed Berries: Toss in fresh or frozen mixed berries for a burst of fruity goodness. The slight tartness will balance wonderfully with the sweet custard.
Nutty Crunch: Stir in crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added texture and a satisfying crunch. This will make each bite even more exciting!
Zesty Add-In: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the custard for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the whole dish.
Spice Exchange: Get adventurous by replacing nutmeg with ground cardamom for a unique and aromatic twist that’s sure to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead Options

These delicious Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the bread and custard mixture up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, layer the buttered bread in your baking dish, whisk together your custard ingredients, and pour it over the bread. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to enjoy your pudding, simply remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then sprinkle with demerera sugar and bake as directed. This way, you’ll still achieve that golden, crispy top and a tender inside—just as delicious as when freshly made!

Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of gluten-free bread is best for this recipe?
Using stale gluten-free white bread is ideal to achieve the best texture for your pudding. Fresh bread can become too soft during baking, while stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully, creating a perfect balance of crispness and softness.

How should I store leftover Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider portioning it out and freezing it. Simply reheat it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a drop of milk to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze, cut the pudding into individual portions and place them in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly?
If your custard mix doesn’t seem to thicken, ensure you are whisking the eggs well with the cream and milk before adding to the bread. The eggs play a crucial role in binding and thickening. If it still seems off, consider adding a bit more egg or letting the mixture sit for a few minutes before pouring it over the bread to help firm up.

Can I adapt the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Yes, indeed! You can easily make this dessert dairy-free by using a dairy-free spread in place of butter and a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For those allergic to eggs, while the custard can’t be perfectly replicated, you could experiment with a commercial egg replacer or a chia seed mixture, although texture and flavor may vary.

What do you recommend serving with this pudding?
For an indulgent treat, serve your Gluten Free Bread and Butter Pudding warm with a drizzle of custard, ice cream, or whipped cream. You could also enjoy it chilled for a refreshing dessert, especially during warmer months. The contrast of temperatures is simply delightful!