Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe [+Tips & Tricks]

Because it’s not just a dessert-it’s an indulgent, soul-warming experience that elevates a humble British classic with the finesse, flair, and full-bodied flavor that only Chef Ramsay could deliver.

What Is Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding

At its heart, Gordon Ramsay’s bread and butter pudding is a decadent reinterpretation of the traditional English pudding. Instead of plain white bread, he opts for rich, buttery croissants-flaky, golden, and luxurious. These are soaked in a smooth, custard-like mixture of eggs, cream, and sugar, then layered with raisins and hints of warm spices before being baked until golden and softly set.

The result?

A crispy-topped, velvety-centered dessert that dances between textures and tastes: sweet, creamy, buttery, and slightly caramelized.

Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To capture the magic of Gordon Ramsay’s version, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 large, all-butter croissants (preferably a day old)
• 100g golden raisins or sultanas (optional but traditional)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 100g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 500ml double cream (heavy cream)
• 100ml whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla pod
• Zest of 1 orange (adds brightness)
• A knob of butter for greasing
• A sprinkle of demerara sugar (for a golden crunch on top)
• Optional: a splash of dark rum or brandy (soaked with the raisins)

Equipment Needed

You’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:

• A medium mixing bowl
• A whisk
• A medium saucepan
• A baking dish (ceramic or glass, about 8-inch square or equivalent)
• Fine grater (for orange zest)
• Oven preheated to 170°C (325°F)

How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding?

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Croissants:

   • Slice the croissants in half lengthwise and lightly toast them if they’re fresh. Arrange in the greased baking dish in a slightly overlapping pattern.
   • If using raisins, soak them in a bit of warm water, rum, or brandy for about 10 minutes, then drain and scatter over the croissants.

2. Make the Custard:

   • In a saucepan, gently heat the double cream, milk, and orange zest until steaming-not boiling.
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and pale.
   • Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper (you don’t want scrambled eggs!).

3. Assemble:

   • Carefully pour the custard over the croissants, pressing them gently so they soak up the mixture. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb fully.
   • Sprinkle with demerara sugar for that signature golden crust.

4. Bake:

   • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the custard is just set but still has a gentle wobble, and the top is beautifully golden brown.

5. Rest and Serve:

   • Let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips

• Use stale or toasted croissants: This helps them absorb more custard without disintegrating.
• Don’t skip the rest time before baking: It ensures even soaking and creamy texture throughout.
• Want more decadence? Add chunks of dark chocolate between the layers or a swirl of marmalade for a zesty twist.
• For a restaurant-style finish: Use a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar topping, crème brûlée-style.

Gordon Ramsay’s bread and butter pudding is a brilliant marriage of comfort and class-transforming simple ingredients into something truly sumptuous. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a cozy Sunday treat, this dish promises a spoonful of nostalgia, layered with gourmet elegance. One bite, and you’ll understand why this is more than just pudding-it’s a masterpiece of textures, contrasts, and pure indulgence.

Easy Recipe Variations For Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding

Gordon Ramsay’s take on the classic bread and butter pudding is already a luxurious twist on a traditional comfort dessert, often incorporating ingredients like rich cream, high-quality eggs, and perhaps a touch of liqueur or vanilla bean.

But what if you’re feeling adventurous, or maybe just working with what you have on hand?

That’s where recipe variations come in-a chance to personalize this decadent dish and elevate it with new textures, flavors, and surprises.

1. Chocolate-Cherry Delight: Add dark chocolate chunks and dried cherries or fresh pitted cherries between the layers of buttered bread.

The result?

A black forest-inspired bread pudding that’s luscious and indulgent, with pockets of gooey melted chocolate and juicy bursts of tartness.

2. Apple-Cinnamon Comfort: Thinly sliced apples sautéed in a bit of butter and cinnamon can be layered in for a warming, autumnal twist. Add a handful of golden raisins and a pinch of nutmeg for even more seasonal flair.

3. Boozy Banana and Rum: Ripe bananas pair incredibly well with dark rum and brown sugar. Caramelize banana slices with a sprinkle of sugar, and mix them with a splash of rum before adding them into the pudding layers. It’s like a bananas foster meets British pudding heaven.

4. Citrus-Infused Elegance: Add orange zest to the custard mixture and sprinkle a few candied orange peels or lemon slices between the layers for a refreshing zing. This brightens the richness and adds a unique, aromatic complexity.

5. Vegan or Dairy-Free Twist: Replace the cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a custard base made from cornstarch or silken tofu. Opt for dairy-free butter and a plant-based bread-sourdough works beautifully for structure and tang.

The beauty of bread and butter pudding lies in its forgiving nature-it welcomes creativity, whether you’re elevating it for a dinner party or making do with pantry staples for a cozy night in.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Bread and butter pudding is the kind of dish that tastes even better the next day-if stored properly. The flavors deepen, the custard sets more firmly, and each bite becomes richer and more cohesive. But improper storage can lead to soggy or rubbery textures, and that’s just not what this dessert deserves.

1. Cool Before Storing: Allow the pudding to cool completely at room temperature (about an hour) before transferring it to the fridge. Placing it in while still warm can trap steam and lead to a watery consistency.

2. Airtight is Everything: Store the pudding in an airtight container or tightly wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps moisture in while preventing it from absorbing any rogue fridge odors.

3. Fridge Life: Stored properly, the pudding will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Any longer and you risk losing the luxurious texture and nuanced flavors.

4.

Freezing for Longevity: Yes, you can freeze it!

Slice into portions, wrap each piece in cling film and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. Reheating Like a Pro: Warm it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. For quick reheating, the microwave works too-just zap it in short bursts to avoid overheating the custard and drying out the bread.

What Goes Well With Bread And Butter Pudding?

Pairing is everything when it comes to rounding out your bread and butter pudding experience. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone star or part of a grander meal, here are some perfect accompaniments to elevate each bite:

1. Sauces That Seduce

• Vanilla Custard: Traditional, silky, and complementary-it wraps the pudding in a warm, familiar hug.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, buttery sweetness with a slight edge. A drizzle of this can take the dessert from homely to haute cuisine.
• Bourbon Cream Sauce: For adult-only elegance, mix cream with a touch of bourbon and sugar. The heat of the spirit balances the sweetness of the pudding beautifully.

2. Ice Cream Dream Pairings

• Classic vanilla bean offers creamy contrast.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg ice cream deepens those cozy, spiced notes.
• For something bold, espresso ice cream brings a bitter-sweet harmony.

3. Fruit And Fresh Accents

• Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a tart, juicy burst.
• A spoonful of orange marmalade or poached pears on the side can provide a delicate sweetness and textural variety.

4. Drinks To Sip And Savor

• A glass of Sauternes or Tawny Port echoes the dessert’s richness and sweetness.
• For non-alcoholic options, chai tea, spiced hot chocolate, or even a rich black coffee cuts through the sweetness and balances the palate.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s bread and butter pudding is more than a dessert-it’s an edible embrace. Rich in heritage yet open to reinvention, it combines simplicity with elegance in every spoonful. Whether you stick to the original or experiment with exciting variations, whether you serve it warm with a scoop of melting ice cream or chilled with a zingy fruit compote, this dish never fails to deliver comfort and charm.

So, bake it fresh, savor the layers, and if you have leftovers (a rare miracle), now you know exactly what to do. Here’s to making the most of every luscious bite!

FAQs

What Type Of Bread Does Gordon Ramsay Use In His Bread And Butter Pudding?

Gordon Ramsay typically uses brioche or pain au chocolat in his bread and butter pudding. These rich, buttery breads enhance the dessert’s creamy texture and add a decadent flavor. He often recommends using slightly stale bread so it better absorbs the custard mixture.

Does Gordon Ramsay Include Raisins Or Other Dried Fruit In His Version?

Yes, Ramsay often includes raisins or sultanas in his recipe, sometimes soaking them in a bit of brandy or rum beforehand for added depth. This gives the pudding a slight chewiness and a hint of sweetness that complements the custard and bread beautifully.

How Does Gordon Ramsay Prepare The Custard For The Pudding?

Ramsay prepares a classic custard by gently heating milk and cream with vanilla, then whisking it into beaten eggs and sugar. The warm custard is poured over the layered bread, allowing it to soak thoroughly before baking. This ensures a creamy, rich interior.

Does Gordon Ramsay Butter The Bread Slices Before Layering?

Yes, each slice of bread is buttered before layering in the dish. This step adds richness and helps achieve a golden, slightly crispy top layer during baking.

Can I Make Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding In Advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pudding several hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time accordingly if baking directly from chilled.

What Is The Baking Time And Temperature In Gordon Ramsay’s Recipe?

Gordon Ramsay typically bakes the pudding at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 to 40 minutes. It should be golden on top and just set in the center. Avoid overbaking, as it can turn rubbery instead of creamy.

Does Gordon Ramsay Serve His Bread And Butter Pudding With A Sauce?

Yes, he often serves it with a simple crème anglaise or a drizzle of cream. The sauce enhances the dessert’s richness and makes it feel even more indulgent.

Can I Add Chocolate To Gordon Ramsay’s Bread And Butter Pudding?

Definitely. Ramsay sometimes incorporates chocolate chips or uses pain au chocolat as the bread base. This variation is especially popular for a more dessert-like version of the pudding.

Is Gordon Ramsay’s Recipe Suitable For Vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or gelatin. However, it does use dairy and eggs, so it’s not suitable for vegans.

How Do I Prevent The Top Of The Pudding From Burning During Baking?

If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time. This allows the pudding to cook through without scorching the top layer.