Bread cake

Bread Pudding - A Simple and Comforting Delight

If you're looking for a quick, tasty, and easy-to-make dessert, bread pudding is the perfect choice. This ingenious recipe transforms simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry into a dessert that will delight your taste buds. It's a perfect example of 'cooking with love', a dish that reminds us of the times when our grandmothers used every piece of bread to create something special. Let's see how we can make this delicious dessert!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 1 loaf of bread (approximately 400-500 g)
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup of sugar (200 g)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of sour cream (250 g)
- 1 cup of ground nuts (approximately 100 g)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

Step 1: Preparing the pan and the bread

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). Take a cake pan (preferably 24 cm in diameter) and line it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the pudding from sticking to the pan.

Then, cut the loaf into slices about 2 cm thick. Make sure the slices are even for uniform baking. Arrange the slices of bread in the pan, packing them tightly so that there are no gaps. You can use an older loaf, as bread pudding works perfectly even with stale bread.

Step 2: Preparing the mixture

In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to incorporate them until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored mixture. Add a pinch of salt and continue mixing.

In another bowl, beat the eggs and add them one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next one. Then, add the sour cream and mix well.

Now it's time to add the ground nuts and lemon zest. These ingredients will give a fragrant taste and a pleasant texture to your pudding.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, pour the mixture over the slices of bread in the cake pan. Make sure each slice is well covered with liquid.

Step 4: Baking

Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the pudding bake at moderate heat for 40-50 minutes. The pudding is ready when it turns golden on top and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 5: Cooling and serving

After the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate. You can dust the pudding with powdered sugar for a more appealing look.

Practical tips

1. Ingredient variations: You can add raisins or chocolate pieces to the nut mixture for an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Serving: This pudding is delicious served plain, but you can dress it up with a layer of whipped cream or vanilla custard for a more elegant dessert.
3. Storage: The pudding keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can reheat it slightly before serving for a warm and comforting experience.

Nutritional benefits

This bread pudding provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein from eggs, and healthy fats from butter and nuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Additionally, sour cream adds a creamy note, while lemon zest provides a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, you can use any type of bread, but the loaf provides a fluffier texture.

2. Is it suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan due to the eggs and butter, but you can experiment with plant-based substitutes like vegan butter and a plant-based alternative for eggs.

3. What drinks pair well with this pudding?
I recommend a citrus tea or a flavored coffee, which perfectly complements the sweet flavors of the pudding.

A personal note

I remember that as a child, my mother often used leftover bread to prepare this dessert. It was a great way to avoid waste, and moreover, bread pudding always brought a smile to our faces. Whether you make it for yourself or for loved ones, this recipe will surely bring moments of joy.

So, don’t hesitate! Prepare this simple and delicious pudding and enjoy every bite!