Indulge in the Delight of Dairy & Gluten-Free Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding has long been a beloved classic in many households. Traditionally rich and comforting, this dessert can now be enjoyed by everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. The dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding retains all the delectable qualities of the original, without the ingredients that some need to avoid. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this delightful dish can be made without dairy and gluten, ensuring that no one misses out on the joy of this classic dessert.
A Classic Dessert Reimagined
The origins of bread and butter pudding date back centuries. It was a clever way to use up stale bread, transforming it into a delicious, custardy dessert. Over time, this dish has evolved, but the core concept remains the same: layers of bread soaked in a rich, creamy custard, then baked to perfection. Today, with growing awareness and dietary preferences, it has become essential to adapt such traditional recipes to meet the needs of everyone at the table.
Embracing Dairy-Free Ingredients
Switching to dairy-free ingredients doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. In fact, many dairy-free alternatives can add new dimensions to a dish. For our bread and butter pudding, we use dairy-free milk and cream. These substitutes mimic the creamy texture of dairy products, ensuring that the custard is just as luscious as ever. Whether it’s almond milk, soy milk, or coconut cream, each alternative brings its unique taste and richness to the pudding.
Moreover, dairy-free butter spreads just as easily on the bread, maintaining the essential buttery layers that define this dessert. The right choice of dairy-free products can make the transition seamless, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic pudding without any compromise on taste.
The Magic of Gluten-Free Bread
Gluten-free bread has come a long way from its early days. With improved recipes and techniques, gluten-free bread now closely resembles its gluten-containing counterpart in both texture and flavour. This advancement is crucial for dishes like bread and butter pudding, where the bread’s ability to soak up the custard is key.
Using slightly stale gluten-free bread is ideal, as it absorbs the custard better, creating that perfect, soft interior while the top crisps up beautifully. This ensures that every bite of the pudding is a delightful mix of textures and flavours, just like the traditional version.
Enhancing Flavour with Spices and Zests
Incorporating spices and zests can elevate the flavour profile of your dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding. Classic spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the custard. These spices not only enhance the taste but also bring an inviting aroma to your kitchen as the pudding bakes.
Adding orange zest introduces a fresh, citrusy note that balances the richness of the custard. This combination of spices and zests creates a more complex and satisfying flavour, making each bite an experience to savour.
The Role of Sultanas and Alcohol
Sultanas, or raisins, are a traditional addition to bread and butter pudding. Their natural sweetness and chewy texture provide delightful bursts of flavour throughout the pudding. Soaking the sultanas in rum or brandy before adding them to the layers of bread can infuse the pudding with a subtle, sophisticated taste. The alcohol enhances the overall flavour without overpowering the dessert.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the pudding in a bain-marie, or water bath, ensures even cooking and prevents the custard from curdling. This method creates a gentle and consistent heat around the dish, resulting in a perfectly set custard with a creamy interior and a crispy top. Preheating the oven and using a moderate temperature is key to achieving the ideal texture.
Allowing the assembled pudding to sit for at least 15 minutes before baking lets the bread absorb the custard fully. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, custardy interior that makes bread and butter pudding so irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The contrast between the crispy top and the soft, custardy interior is at its peak when served immediately. However, this pudding is also delicious when served cold, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the pudding with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream. These additions complement the pudding perfectly, adding an extra layer of creaminess to each bite.
Conclusion
Creating a dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding that retains all the qualities of the traditional dessert is not only possible but also highly rewarding. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy this classic pudding without any compromise on flavour or texture. So, whether you have dietary restrictions or are simply looking to try something new, this dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding is sure to delight.
Explore the world of gluten-free and dairy-free desserts and discover how easy it is to recreate your favourite dishes at home. Embrace the joy of baking and share this delightful pudding with family and friends, knowing that everyone can enjoy it together. Happy baking!
Dairy & Gluten-Free Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding has long been a beloved classic in many households. Traditionally rich and comforting, this dessert can now be enjoyed by everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. The dairy & gluten-free bread and butter pudding retains all the delectable qualities of the original, without the ingredients that some need to avoid.
5
servings10
minutes35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Ingredients
60 grams 60 sultanas
2 tablespoons 2 rum or brandy
500 ml 500 dairy-free milk
1 1/2 tablespoons 1 1/2 gluten-free corn flour
1 1/2 tablespoons 1 1/2 of caster sugar
100 ml 100 dairy-free cream
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
1/2 1/2 of orange zest
1/4 tablespoons 1/4 of nutmeg powder
1/4 tablespoons 1/4 of cinnamon powder
8-10 slices 8-10 of slightly stale gluten-free bread
Vegan butter or dairy-free butter
1-2 tablespoon 1-2 brown sugar
Directions
- Instructions
- Prepare the Corn Flour Paste:
- Start by popping two tablespoons of corn flour into a small bowl with a drop of dairy-free milk and give that a good mix.
- Make the Custard:
- Pop a medium-sized saucepan onto a medium-low heat. Add the remaining dairy-free milk, the cream, the sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon powder, orange zest, and the corn flour paste. Give that all a good stir and bring it up to a gentle heat. Continue stirring until the custard has thickened a little, then set it aside until needed.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Get yourself an ovenproof baking dish and butter it with dairy-free butter. Slice your bread and butter each slice, then cut each slice into quarters. If your bread slices are smaller, cutting isn’t necessary.
- Assemble the Pudding:
- Arrange the buttered bread slices in the dish, crisscrossing them. Scatter some of the sultanas between the layers as you go. Pour the milk mixture over the top, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before baking to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Add the Final Touches:
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of brown sugar over the top to help it get a nice golden colour. Scatter the remaining sultanas over the top.
- Bake the Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Get another baking dish that is larger than the one with the bread and butter pudding. Fill this larger dish with hot water from the kettle to create a bain-marie. Place the pudding dish into the larger dish with the water. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden and the custard is bubbling.
- Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your dairy-free and gluten-free bread and butter pudding!
- Enjoy!
