Steamed Bread Pudding Recipe

Steamed Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicious and comforting dish has its roots in traditional British cuisine. It was commonly made as a way to use up stale bread, and over time, various additions such as dried fruit and spices were incorporated to enhance the flavor.

Fun fact: Did you know that bread pudding dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries? It was originally made as a way to reduce waste and make use of leftover bread. This frugal dessert quickly became popular among households looking for a tasty and economical treat.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Steamed Bread Pudding:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup fine dried bread crumbs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- Scant 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped raisins, seeded and floured

Instructions:
1. Start by placing 1 cup of fine dried bread crumbs in a bowl.
2. Pour 2 cups of milk over the bread crumbs and allow them to stand for a short time. This helps the bread crumbs to soak up the milk and become soft.
3. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and mix in a scant 1/2 cup of sugar.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the egg and sugar mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Combine the egg mixture with the bread crumbs and milk, making sure all the ingredients are well blended.
6. Stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped raisins that have been seeded and floured. This adds a sweet and fruity element to the pudding.
7. Butter the top part of a double boiler and pour the batter into it.
8. Place the double boiler over hot water and steam the bread pudding for about 2-1/2 to 3 hours. The steaming process helps the pudding to set and become moist.
9. Once the bread pudding is steamed, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
10. Serve the Steamed Bread Pudding hot with a sauce of your choice. The traditional choice is a sauce used for cottage pudding, which adds a delightful sweetness. Alternatively, you can serve it with sugar and cream for a simple and delicious touch.

Similar recipes that you might enjoy:
If you love the idea of a warm, comforting bread-based dessert, there are a few other dishes similar to Steamed Bread Pudding that you might enjoy exploring.

1. Bread and Butter Pudding: This is another classic British dessert that uses sliced bread instead of bread crumbs. It is layered with butter and soaked in a custard mixture before being baked to golden perfection.

2. French Toast Casserole: This dish takes the concept of bread pudding and transforms it into a breakfast or brunch favorite. Slices of bread are soaked in a custard mixture, topped with cinnamon and sugar, and baked to create a delightful casserole.

3. Tiramisu: Although not traditionally steamed, Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that also features soaked bread. Layers of ladyfingers (sponge cake-like biscuits) are soaked in coffee and layered with a creamy mascarpone filling, creating a heavenly dessert.

These similar dishes all share the common thread of using bread as a base, but each has its unique twist and flavors. So, if you enjoy Steamed Bread Pudding, be sure to give these other recipes a try!