Cherry Bread Pudding

Cherry Bread Pudding Recipe - Delicious Dessert with Dried Pitted Cherries and Raisins

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cherry Bread Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of cherries and raisins with the rich flavors of honey and yogurt, all baked together with bread to create a decadent treat.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. The addition of cherries and raisins to this classic dish adds a unique twist and a burst of fruity flavor.

Ingredients

3 eggs or equivalent egg substitute
0.25 cup dark honey (or 3 times this if you want it sweet)
1.5 cups non-fat plain yogurt (approximately)
a small amount of salt
8 slices cracked wheat bread
1 cup dried pitted cherries
0.5 cup organic red flame raisins
spice (optional)

How to prepare

Boil some water and pour it over cherries and raisins to soak. Set aside.
Beat the eggs and honey together with a fork until well blended.
Stir in yogurt and salt.
Break up about 8 slices of cracked wheat bread, or crumble it up, and stir it in.
Add in the plumped up cherries and raisins, making sure to drain the water off first.
Pour the mixture into a greased 5" x 7" pan, or a large pie tin.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) until the aroma of bread pudding fills the air, about 40 minutes.
Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Variations

Try using different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a richer flavor.
Add in some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for some extra crunch.

Notes

This is just right in terms of sweetness for me. In order to try to placate the sugar gods, I tried it out with caramel sauce, and it ruined it for me. Nothing like the taste of burnt sugar to dull one's taste buds.
Optionally mix some spices in with the eggs before baking, such as 0.25 – 0.5 tsp of cinnamon, mace, allspice, or cardamom powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the cherries and raisins in hot water before adding them to the pudding. This will help them plump up and become extra juicy.

- Be sure to use a good quality bread for this recipe, as it will be the base of the pudding and provide the perfect texture.

- Feel free to add in your favorite spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the flavor of the pudding.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bread Pudding is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular eggs instead of egg substitute if desired.

- Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Bread Pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherry Bread Pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Bread Pudding pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cherry Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cherry Bread Pudding contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cherry Bread Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cherry Bread Pudding contains approximately 3 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cherry Bread Pudding contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Bread Pudding is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat and dairy.

Summary

Cherry Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in fats and calories, making it a great option for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Summary

Cherry Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the sweetness of cherries and raisins combined with the richness of honey and yogurt, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cherry Bread Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret. She was known for her incredible baking skills, and I always looked forward to trying new recipes whenever I visited her.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of cherries and cinnamon. Margaret had just taken a beautiful cherry bread pudding out of the oven, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

"Margaret, this smells absolutely divine! What's the secret to this delicious dessert?" I asked eagerly.

Margaret smiled and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "This is my grandmother's recipe for cherry bread pudding. It's been passed down through generations in my family, and I'm so happy to share it with you."

I carefully studied the recipe card, taking in the simple ingredients and instructions. It seemed like a straightforward recipe, but I knew that the true magic would come from the love and care put into making it.

Over the next few hours, Margaret taught me how to make the cherry bread pudding from start to finish. We soaked the bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, then gently folded in the cherries and a hint of cinnamon. As we worked together in the kitchen, I listened intently to Margaret's stories about her grandmother and the cherished memories they shared over this dessert.

Finally, the cherry bread pudding was ready to be baked. The kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of warm bread and sweet cherries as it bubbled away in the oven. Margaret and I sat at the kitchen table, sipping tea and chatting while we waited for the pudding to be done.

When the timer finally beeped, we eagerly pulled the cherry bread pudding out of the oven. It was golden brown and bubbling, with the cherries glistening like precious jewels. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of our labor.

As Margaret served up generous slices of the cherry bread pudding, I couldn't help but marvel at how such a simple dessert could bring so much joy and warmth to the table. The first bite was pure bliss - the bread was soft and custardy, the cherries burst with flavor, and the cinnamon added a comforting warmth to the dish.

"I can see why this recipe has been passed down through generations in your family, Margaret. It's truly something special," I said between bites.

Margaret smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling with pride. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it, my dear. This cherry bread pudding is not just a dessert - it's a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and tradition that binds us together."

From that day on, I knew that the cherry bread pudding would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always thinking of Margaret and her grandmother as I stirred the ingredients together.

Years passed, and the cherry bread pudding became a beloved recipe in my own family. My children and grandchildren would gather around the table, their faces lighting up with delight as I served them warm slices of the dessert. I would tell them the story of how I learned to make the cherry bread pudding from Margaret, and how it had become a treasured tradition in our family.

And as I watched my loved ones enjoy the cherry bread pudding, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of life - the joy of good food, the warmth of shared memories, and the love that binds us together, one delicious bite at a time.