Cozonac pudding with cherries and raisins

Cozonac Pudding with Cherries and Raisins

Do you remember those warm moments when the aroma of freshly baked cozonac filled the entire house? This cozonac pudding recipe with cherries and raisins will bring back those memories, transforming leftover cozonac into a delicious and comforting dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you have a bit of cozonac, pasca, or even bread left, this pudding is the ideal way to avoid wasting anything you have.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 g cozonac (or pasca, bread)
- 350 g cherries (pitted, well drained or thawed)
- 100 g raisins
- 4 eggs
- 700 ml milk
- 100 g sugar (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons rum (optional)
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Vanilla ice cream for serving

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Ingredients: If using cozonac or pasca, remove the outer crust and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm. This will ensure the pudding has a uniform and pleasant texture. If you have leftover bread, make sure it is a bit older so it absorbs better in the egg and milk mixture.

2. Preparing the Pan: Grease a baking dish with butter, ensuring it is well covered to prevent the pudding from sticking. This will make it easy to remove the dessert after baking.

3. Assembling the Pudding: Arrange 3/4 of the cozonac (or bread) cubes in the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle the cherries and raisins on top. If using frozen cherries, make sure you have thawed and drained them well to avoid adding excess water to the mixture.

4. Preparing the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the slightly warmed milk and rum, mixing well. If using bread, you can also add lemon or orange zest to enhance the flavors.

5. Finalizing the Mixture: Pour the egg and milk mixture over the layer of fruit and cozonac, ensuring each cube is well soaked. Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to blend well.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pan in the oven and bake the pudding for 30-40 minutes, or until it is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Serving: The pudding can be served warm or cold, but for an unforgettable experience, I recommend serving it with vanilla ice cream. The warm pudding contrasted with the cold ice cream is simply divine!

Helpful Tips:
- If you want a richer pudding, you can replace some of the milk with cream or add a few tablespoons of cottage cheese.
- Experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, to add a personal touch to your recipe.
- This pudding is an excellent option for using up leftover cozonac from holidays, transforming it into a delicious dessert.

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 250 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of fruit? Absolutely! The pudding lends itself well to various combinations, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.
- What drinks pair well with this pudding? A flavorful coffee or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the dessert, providing a pleasant contrast.

Transform every meal into a celebration with this simple yet delicious cozonac pudding with cherries and raisins. Treat your family and friends to a recipe that is not only easy to make but also full of nostalgia and flavor!