The British Holiday Dessert Princess Diana Called the Best ‘in the World’

Most of Princess Diana’s life remains a mystery to the public, but when we catch glimpses of her favorite foods, the royal icon feels surprisingly relatable. Thanks to insights from her former chef, Darren McGrady, we know the dessert she loved most and it’s much more humble than you might expect.

Sweets weren’t a daily indulgence for the princess, but when she did treat herself, she did it in classic British fashion—with a bread and butter pudding. The traditional dessert was born out of frugality, creating a way to give stale bread new life. But, that doesn’t make it any less comforting, indulgent, and all-around charming.

Once called “poor man’s pudding,” bread and butter pudding may seem like an unusual choice for royalty. But, at the same time, it’s fitting that such an unpretentious dessert was the top pick of the “People’s Princess.” As McGrady shared, “This became a favorite, so much so that she told one of the royal reporters, ‘Darren makes the best bread and butter pudding in the world.’” And now, we have the official recipe to share.

What Is Bread and Butter Pudding?

Bread and butter pudding is a quintessential British dessert made by layering slices of buttered bread with a creamy custard before baking. Between its rich, warm flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, it’s one of the most comforting desserts that can come out of your oven. 

Unlike its American counterpart, bread pudding—which is made with torn bread pieces soaked in custard—bread and butter pudding is made with layered bread slices. This creates a more elegant presentation, with crispy, golden layers that form the crust for the soft, creamy interior.

Perfect for the holidays, the dish’s custardy texture and decadent flavors make it a timeless crowd-pleaser, while additions like amaretto-soaked raisins, shaved almonds, and even a drizzle of whiskey sauce can offer an extra luxurious touch. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s forgiving in nature, making it easy breezy for the holiday bustle. 

Chef Darren McGrady was kind enough to share his traditional recipe from his book “Eating Royally” with us, so you can whip up the royal holiday favorite in your own home, too. 

How to Make Princess Diana’s Favorite Bread and Butter Pudding 

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces amaretto-soaked raisins
• 12 slices white bread, crusts removed
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 9 egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 ounces shaved almonds

Instructions:

1. Dice four slices of white bread into 1/2-inch cubes and spread them evenly across the bottom of a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the amaretto-soaked raisins (and any remaining amaretto) over the top.
2. Cut the remaining bread slices into triangles and dip each into the melted butter. Arrange them in an overlapping pattern over the cubed bread.
3. Whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl. Add the vanilla paste and sugar, mixing until smooth. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium-high heat until just boiling. Gradually pour the warm mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, ensuring it is fully saturated. Let the dish rest for 20 minutes to soak up the liquid. Place the dish in a water bath, filling it halfway up the sides of the casserole dish with hot water. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard appears to be set.
5. For an extra touch, sprinkle granulated sugar on top and caramelize it using a torch or your oven’s broil function. Top with shaved almonds before serving.

This recipe was adapted from “Eating Royally” by Darren McGrady, 2007.