Date and Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding
This indulgent dessert combines rich chocolate, natural sweetness from dates, and a creamy custard base, making it perfect for winter evenings.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of day-old bread (preferably brioche or white bread)
- 3 oz (85g) dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1/2 cup (100g) chopped dates
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter.Prepare the bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Cut the bread into triangles or squares and arrange them in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
Add the chocolate and dates:
- Sprinkle chopped chocolate and dates evenly between the layers of bread.
Make the custard mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream until warm (but not boiling).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
Assemble the pudding:
- Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and the custard is set.
Serve:
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
