Ingredients:

  • 6 slices of day-old white bread (or brioche), cut into triangles (about 240g)
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 100g mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, sultanas, currants)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 500ml whole milk
  • 250ml double cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Custard or cream (optional) for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
  2. Generously butter both sides of each bread slice.
  3. Layer half the slices in the prepared dish, overlapping them slightly.
  4. Sprinkle mixed dried fruits evenly over the first layer of bread and dust with ground cinnamon.
  5. Top with the remaining buttered bread slices.
  6. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk and cream until just below boiling.
  7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
  8. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
  9. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
  10. Pour the custard over the layered bread, pressing down lightly with a fork.
  11. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until firm and golden brown.
  13. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with custard or cream if desired.