Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe! This dessert is an absolute showstopper, marrying the rich sweetness of maple syrup with the delightful tartness of cranberries. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy holiday gathering, and it quickly became a beloved family favorite. The best part? It’s super simple to whip up, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this comforting dish again and again!
Ingredients
- 6 cups of cubed day-old bread – This is key for that perfect texture!
- 2 cups of milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess, but feel free to use your favorite type.
- 1 cup of heavy cream – Adds richness that’ll make your taste buds sing!
- 4 large eggs – These are essential for binding everything together.
- 1 cup of packed maple syrup – The star of the show, bringing that sweet maple flavor.
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries – The tartness balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – Just a splash for that warm, inviting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – Adds a lovely warmth and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven ensures even baking, so don’t skip it!
- While the oven warms up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Just imagine that creamy, sweet mixture coming together—it’s going to be delicious!
- Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients: gently fold in your cubed bread and cranberries. Be careful not to overmix; we want those lovely bread pieces soaked without turning mushy.
- Next, pour this beautiful mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You’ll love how it looks before it goes in the oven!
- Now, pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden brown top and a set pudding. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before digging in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time – With just 20 minutes of prep, you can have this delightful dessert ready to bake in no time!
- Delicious combination of flavors – The sweet maple syrup perfectly complements the tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Perfect for gatherings – This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
- Can be made ahead of time – You can prepare it the day before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding comes out absolutely perfect! First up, use high-quality bread. I love using a nice crusty baguette or brioche—these add fantastic flavor and texture. Day-old bread is best since it soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Also, don’t skip the resting time before baking! Letting the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes allows the bread to absorb all that luscious liquid, resulting in a perfectly creamy pudding.
If you can, opt for pure maple syrup instead of the imitation stuff. The flavor is unmatched, and it really shines in this recipe. And remember, when you fold in the cranberries, be gentle! You want those little bursts of tartness throughout without smashing them into oblivion.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, so check for that golden top and set center. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Apple Cinnamon Twist: Swap out the cranberries for diced apples and add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon. It’s like autumn in a dish!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in some chocolate chips with the cranberries for a decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Citrus Zest: Add some orange or lemon zest to the custard mixture for a bright, refreshing twist that complements the maple beautifully.
Feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits and flavors—the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about the best ways to serve your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding! Trust me, it tastes divine on its own, but adding a little something extra can take it to the next level. I love to top each serving with a generous dollop of whipped cream—it’s light and airy, perfectly balancing the rich pudding. If you’re feeling indulgent, vanilla ice cream is an absolute game changer; the cold creaminess melts into the warm pudding in the most delightful way!
For a touch of elegance, drizzle a little extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. You could even toss on some toasted nuts or a handful of extra cranberries for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your creation with friends and family—it’s sure to impress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! To store your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you store it, so it doesn’t create condensation!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick fix, just be careful not to overheat, or it might get a bit rubbery. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my delicious Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a delightful treat without feeling too guilty! You’ll also find 15g of fat, including 10g of saturated fat, which adds that rich creaminess we all love. It packs in 7g of protein and 45g of carbohydrates, with 25g of sugar coming from the sweet maple syrup and cranberries. There’s also 2g of fiber in there, which is a nice bonus! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use stale bread for this recipe? Absolutely! In fact, day-old or stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. Just make sure it’s not moldy!
Can I make this Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I substitute for cranberries? If cranberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, diced apples, or even cherries! Just adjust the sweetness if needed.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers? Yes! You can freeze the bread pudding for up to a month. Just make sure it’s well wrapped. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I know when it’s done baking? You’re looking for a golden brown top and a pudding that’s set in the center. Give it a gentle shake; it should be slightly firm but still have a little jiggle!
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Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe for Cozy Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This is a delicious Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding recipe that combines sweet maple syrup with tart cranberries for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of maple syrup
- 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread and cranberries, gently mixing until combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- You can substitute other fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe