Bread pudding with orange marmalade

Bread pudding with orange marmalade

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Bread pudding with orange marmalade is a delicious and comforting dessert, perfect for using up leftover slices of bread, and the combination of flavors will delight your taste buds. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition and is an ingenious way to turn stale bread into something really special.

Before we get started, let's discover together the ingredients needed and the steps to make the perfect pudding.

Ingredients:

- 8 slices of bread (1 day old bread is ideal, to soften better)
- 50 g soft butter (make sure it's room temperature to spread easily)
- 4 tablespoons orange marmalade (you can use other types of marmalade, but orange marmalade gives a nice citrus touch)
- 400 ml milk (you can choose whole milk or skim milk, depending on your preference)
- 140 g yogurt (yogurt adds a special creaminess; you can use Greek yogurt for a richer taste)
- 3 eggs (make sure they are fresh; you can use organic eggs for a better taste)
- 2 teaspoons rum essence (gives an intense flavor; you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjust the amount according to your sweetness preferences)
- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional, but recommended for a sophisticated taste)
- Powdered sugar to dust at the end

Step by step for the perfect pudding:

1. Prepare ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help the flavors integrate better.

2. Spreading the bread slices: Spread each slice of bread with butter on both sides. This will not only add rich flavor, but will also help prevent the bread from over-soaking in the liquid mixture.

3. Adding the marmalade: Spread 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade on 4 of the buttered bread slices. Then place the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, making 4 delicious sandwiches.

4. Slicing the sandwiches: Slice each sandwich on the diagonal to form attractive triangles. Place them in a heatproof dish, making sure they are evenly arranged.

5. Make the milk mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt, eggs, rum, sugar and brandy. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated and that the sugar has completely dissolved.

6. Soaking the bread: Pour the liquid mixture over the sandwiches in the bowl, making sure each bread triangle is well coated. Let them soak for 30 minutes; this step is crucial for a moist, flavorful pudding.

7. Adding the remaining marmalade: Once soaked, place 1 teaspoon of orange marmalade on each bread triangle. This will provide extra flavor and a nice appearance.

8. Baking the pudding: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Put the pudding dish in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and fluffy.

9. Serving: Once the pudding is ready, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or vanilla sauce to intensify the flavor.

Helpful hints:

- Alcohol-free version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic pudding, you can omit the brandy. Replace it with a little orange juice to preserve the citrus notes.
- Topping variations: You can experiment with different types of marmalade, such as raspberry or peach, to change the flavor of the dessert. Toasted nuts or grated chocolate can also be added on top for added texture.
- Combining with drinks: This pudding pairs wonderfully with a warm herbal tea or flavored coffee. A freshly squeezed lemonade is also a great choice to balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

This pudding is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering sources of protein from eggs and yogurt, calcium from milk and probiotics from yogurt. There's also fiber from the bread, and the orange marmalade provides a dose of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole-grain bread? Absolutely! Whole wheat bread adds a touch of flavor and more fiber.
- How long can the pudding be kept? The pudding keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days and the flavor becomes more intense as it sits.

This orange marmalade bread pudding is a great choice for any occasion, whether it's brunch with friends or a family dinner. So embrace the art of turning simple ingredients into something truly special and enjoy every bite!