Bread and Butter Fruit Cake

• Our traditional pudding, only slightly different and much easier. No fiddly layering, easier to serve too. Use any dried fruit you have left over and the [any] bread must be stale. Keep the crusts on too. You will need 3 large, very thick slices of bread from a whole farmhouse type loaf, cut into chunks. Or some stale large bread rolls. Whatever. When a friend gave me this recipe I could hardly believe the amazing result! A scrumptious, easy dessert for this wintry weather! Serve warm, but we thought it was equally yummy cold, left over next day.

  
  

  You will need a 9 inch, tight fitting, spring form cake tin, generously buttered, the tin lined with parchment, going up the sides, also buttered, then another separate buttered circle of parchment for the base.  It is easier to lift out and “unwrap” if you do.  Pre heat your fan oven to 170C.

  
  

  Bread chunks, as above

  2 pints whole milk

  5 large eggs, whisked

  1 teaspoonful vanilla extract or bean paste

  4 oz caster sugar - I used golden caster

  4 oz melted butter

  6 oz prunes and sultanas, but see note

  
  

  
  

  In a large bowl, place the bread chunks and pour over the milk, then leave to soak for 15 mins.

  Tip over the sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs, that have been mixed together in a medium jug. Mix well then add your fruit.

  
  

  Place the baking tin on a baking sheet in case any of the eggy mix seeps through, before it sets. [although it should not if you have done the prep]  Tip into your prepared tin and bake for about 50-55 mins, until set and nicely browed.

  
  

  Allow to cool for a short while before transferring to a serving dish. [keep the base lining on] Sprinkle over a little more sugar if you wish. Cut into slices. Serve with clotted cream, but it is so delicious, you really do not need extra!!

  
  

  Yum Yum.

  
  

  Note: any fruit can be used. I used dried chopped apricots the other day. I have contemplated using chocolate chips…… next time I have stale left over bread.

  
  

  Another note: I have not used Wholemeal bread yet, especially as my husband, being a very traditional Cornishman, does not like it. Hey ho.