Can You Freeze Bread And Butter Pudding?
Bread and butter pudding is a traditional British dessert that’s perfect for using up stale bread. If you’ve made too much, you might be wondering whether you can freeze bread and butter pudding to enjoy another day.
What Is Bread and Butter Pudding?
Bread and butter pudding is made from buttered bread, eggs, milk, sugar and dried fruit, although many recipes also include ingredients such as vanilla, cinnamon or marmalade.
The buttered bread is layered in a baking dish with dried fruit before being covered with a sweet custard made from eggs and milk. Once baked, it’s traditionally served warm with cream or custard.
Modern versions often use brioche, croissants or other enriched breads, while older recipes were sometimes steamed and even contained meat.
Can You Freeze Bread and Butter Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze bread and butter pudding. It freezes very well with very little change to its taste or texture.
Because it freezes so successfully, it’s an excellent dessert to make ahead for Christmas, family gatherings or whenever you want a homemade pudding ready in the freezer.
How To Freeze Bread and Butter Pudding
Bread and butter pudding can be frozen whole or in individual portions.
- Allow it to cool completely.
- Divide into portions if preferred and wrap well in cling film or place in freezer-safe containers.
- If freezing a whole pudding, leave it in its baking dish if it’s freezer-safe and cover tightly with cling film or foil.
- Label and date before freezing.
How Long Does Bread and Butter Pudding Last In The Freezer?
Bread and butter pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months.
It will still be safe to eat after that, but the texture and flavour may begin to deteriorate and freezer burn becomes more likely.
How To Defrost Bread and Butter Pudding
Individual portions can be defrosted overnight in the fridge or on the countertop for 3-4 hours.
A whole bread and butter pudding will usually need around 24 hours to thaw completely in the fridge.
Defrosting in the fridge is recommended as it keeps the pudding at a safe temperature while it thaws.
How To Reheat Bread and Butter Pudding
Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave on high for around 45 seconds, adding extra time if required until piping hot.
For a whole pudding, reheat in a 160°C oven for around 30 minutes, covering with foil to stop the top from becoming too brown.
Always ensure the pudding is piping hot before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Freeze Brioche Bread and Butter Pudding?
Yes. Whether you’ve used brioche, bread rolls, croissants or even hot cross buns, the finished pudding can be frozen using the same method.
Can You Freeze Homemade Bread and Butter Pudding?
Yes. Homemade bread and butter pudding freezes very well. For the best quality, freeze it as soon as possible after baking and cooling.
Can You Make Bread and Butter Pudding In Advance?
Yes. Bread and butter pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert because it freezes so well.
Can You Freeze Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding?
Yes. Panettone bread and butter pudding can be frozen for up to 3 months using the same method.
Can You Freeze Bread and Butter Pudding Made With Cream?
Yes. Cream freezes well once it’s been incorporated into a cooked dish like bread and butter pudding.
More Freezing Dessert Guides
Looking for more dessert freezing tips? Browse our Can You Freeze It? hub for more freezing guides.
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