Crockpot English Bread Pudding

Crockpot English Bread Pudding Recipe - Traditional Dessert from England

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

English bread pudding is a classic dessert that is loved for its comforting and rich flavors. This crockpot version of the traditional recipe makes it even easier to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a warm and delicious treat with minimal effort.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dish in England for centuries, with recipes dating back to the 11th century. Originally created as a way to use up stale bread, it has evolved over time to become a beloved dessert enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

16 slices of firm-textured, day-old bread
1.75 cups of milk
8 oz (227 g) of mixed dried fruit, cut into small pieces
0.5 cup of chopped nuts
1 medium apple, cored and diced
0.25 cup of melted butter or margarine
0.33 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
1 beaten egg
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp of ground cloves

How to prepare

Tear the bread, with crusts, into pieces measuring 1 to 2 inches.
Place the torn bread into a crockpot.
Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Stir in the dried fruit, nuts, and apple.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients.
Pour the mixture over the bread.
Stir well to blend all the ingredients together.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the mixture for a boozy twist.
Swap out the dried fruit for chocolate chips or butterscotch pieces for a different flavor profile.
Top the bread pudding with a crumble topping made from oats, flour, and brown sugar for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use day-old bread for the best texture in your bread pudding.

- Feel free to customize the dried fruit and nuts in this recipe to suit your preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.

- Serve the bread pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crockpot English bread pudding warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Techniques

The slow cooking process in the crockpot allows the flavors of the bread pudding to meld together and develop a rich and decadent taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of bread in this recipe, such as brioche or challah, for a different texture.

- Substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor.

- Use any combination of dried fruit and nuts that you prefer in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the bread pudding mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply pour it into the crockpot and cook as directed when you are ready to enjoy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this crockpot English bread pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or scoop it directly from the crockpot for a rustic and homey feel.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this bread pudding with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this crockpot English bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this crockpot English bread pudding contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this crockpot English bread pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this crockpot English bread pudding contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this crockpot English bread pudding contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This bread pudding is a good source of vitamin C from the dried fruit and apple, as well as iron and calcium from the nuts and milk.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

This crockpot English bread pudding is a delicious and satisfying dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

This crockpot English bread pudding is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its warm and comforting flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to make. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Crockpot English Bread Pudding caught my eye. The warm and comforting description of this classic dessert made my mouth water, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always loved to cook and bake, and over the years, I had collected a vast array of recipes from various places and people. My love of cooking was passed down from my own mother, who had taught me how to make traditional dishes from our family's heritage. I was always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and this one seemed like the perfect addition to my collection.

The recipe called for simple ingredients that I already had on hand – bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and a few spices. I gathered everything together and set to work preparing the pudding. I tore the bread into small pieces and soaked them in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The aroma of the spices filled the air, and I knew this dessert would be a hit with my family.

Once everything was mixed together, I poured the bread pudding into the crockpot and set it to cook on low for a few hours. As it simmered away, the sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through the house, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After a few hours, I lifted the lid of the crockpot and was greeted with the sight of a perfectly cooked bread pudding. The top was golden brown and crispy, while the inside was creamy and filled with pockets of warm, spiced bread. I couldn't resist taking a bite right then and there, and it was everything I had hoped for – rich, decadent, and utterly delicious.

I served the bread pudding to my family that evening, and it was met with rave reviews. My husband declared it to be the best dessert I had ever made, and my children begged for seconds. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in our household, a beloved comfort food that we would enjoy for years to come.

As I savored each bite of the bread pudding, I thought back to the day I had discovered the recipe in my mother's old cookbook. I was grateful for the wealth of knowledge and inspiration that she had passed down to me, and I knew that I would continue to experiment with new recipes and create lasting memories with my own family.

In the years that followed, I made the Crockpot English Bread Pudding countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. It became a cherished tradition in our household, a dessert that we would enjoy on special occasions and lazy Sunday afternoons alike. And every time I made it, I couldn't help but think of my mother and the love of cooking that she had instilled in me.

So here I am, a grandmother with a passion for cooking and a treasure trove of recipes to share with my loved ones. I may have learned how to make Crockpot English Bread Pudding from a simple recipe in a cookbook, but to me, it represents so much more – a connection to my past, a legacy of delicious food, and a source of joy and comfort for those I hold dear. And I will continue to pass on this recipe, along with all the others that I have collected over the years, to future generations, so that they too can experience the magic of good food and the joy of sharing it with the ones they love.