Plum bread and butter pudding

Plum bread and butter pudding is a classic British dessert that’s perfect for autumn when plums are in season. Here’s a recipe for a delicious and comforting pudding that serves four people.

Serves: 4 – 6; Preparation time:20 minutes; Cooking time:45 minutes to 50 minutes; Total time:1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of white bread, crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons of softened butter
• 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 2 or 3 tablespoons of damson jam
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 bay leaves
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) square baking dish with butter.
2. Spread the softened butter over each slice of bread. Cut the bread into triangles.
3. Arrange a layer of bread triangles in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Arrange a layer of sliced plums on top of the bread.
4. Spoon the damson jam over the plums. Repeat the layers of bread and plums, ending with a layer of bread.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Pour the milk mixture over the bread and plum layers in the baking dish, making sure that all the bread is soaked in the mixture.
7. Tuck the bay leaves in between the layers of bread and plums.
8. Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan or roasting pan. Fill the larger pan with hot water until it comes halfway up the sides of the baking dish.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
10. Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Serve the plum bread and butter pudding warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

This plum bread and butter pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that’s perfect for a cozy autumn evening. The plums and damson jam add a sweet and tart flavor to the pudding, while the bay leaves add a subtle herbal note. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of British comfort food at its best!