Ponche de crème bread pudding

• unsalted butter↗50g g

  plus extra for greasing

• brioche↗400g g

  (slightly stale, if possible), thickly sliced

• coconut flakes↗25g g
• raisins↗50g g
• freshly grated nutmeglarge pinch of

  large pinch of

• pecans↗50g g

  roughly chopped

• demerara sugar↗1 tbsp tbsp
• large eggs↗4
• lime↗grated zest 1

  grated zest 1

• can evaporated milk↗410g g
• good-quality dark rum↗4 tbsp tbsp
• good-quality vanilla extract↗1 tsp tsp
• freshly grated nutmeg¼ tsp tsp
• bitters↗½ tsp tsp
• can condensed milk↗397g g
• coconut ice cream

  or double cream

• pecans↗2 tbsp

  (optional)

• coconut flakes↗2 tbsp

  (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and lightly grease a 20 x 30cm baking dish with a little of the butter.

2. 2

   First, make the ponche de crème. In a large bowl, using an electric hand whisk, beat the eggs and lime zest for 1-2 mins until light and frothy. Gradually beat in the evaporated milk and rum, then add the vanilla, nutmeg and bitters, and mix well. Stir in the condensed milk and set aside.

3. 3

   Butter the brioche slices on one side and cut each in half diagonally. Layer half the slices across the base of the baking dish, butter-side down. Pour over half the ponche de crème. Scatter over the coconut flakes, raisins and half the nutmeg, and leave for 15 mins.

4. 4

   Sprinkle over the pecans and layer the remaining slices of brioche, butter-side up, on top. Pour over the remaining ponche de crème, ensuring it soaks all the bread. Sprinkle over the remaining nutmeg and the demerara sugar.

5. 5

   Put the baking dish into a roasting tin and pour boiling water into the tin to come halfway up the outside of the baking dish. Carefully put the tin in the oven and bake for 40-45 mins until the custard is set and the pudding is golden brown. Scatter over pecans and coconut flakes and serve with ice cream or cream.