Fruit Bread Pudding

Fruit Bread Pudding Recipe - A Guilt-Free Vegetarian Treat

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fruit bread pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of dried fruit with the rich flavors of whole wheat bread, making it a healthier alternative to traditional bread pudding recipes.

History

Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the dish appearing in different cultures around the world. Fruit bread pudding is a modern twist on this classic recipe, adding dried fruit for a burst of flavor and sweetness.

Ingredients

4 cups whole wheat bread
0.5 cup dried fruit
1.5 cups skim milk
0.5 cup healthy choice cholesterol
0.25 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
0.25 tsp nutmeg

How to prepare

In a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) casserole dish that has been sprayed with vegetable oil spray, combine the bread and fruit.
In a small bowl, combine the milk, egg product, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Pour the milk mixture over the bread. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Note: 4 slices of bread will yield 4 cups cubed.

Variations

Try using different types of dried fruit, such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries, to change up the flavor profile of the pudding.
Add a splash of rum or brandy to the milk mixture for a boozy twist on this classic dessert.
Experiment with different types of bread, such as cinnamon raisin or whole grain, to create a unique and flavorful pudding.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use whole wheat bread for added fiber and nutrients.

- Soak the dried fruit in warm water before adding it to the bread mixture to plump it up and enhance the flavor.

- For a richer pudding, you can use whole milk instead of skim milk.

- Serve the pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fruit bread pudding warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness. You can also top it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the pudding in a water bath can help prevent it from drying out and ensure a creamy and custardy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole wheat bread, you can use white bread or brioche instead. You can also substitute the dried fruit with fresh fruit or nuts for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Fruit bread pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve fruit bread pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, or top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fruit bread pudding pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fruit bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fruit bread pudding contains approximately 200 calories, making it a moderate calorie dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fruit bread pudding contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and energy-rich dessert option.

Fats

With only 2 grams of fat per serving, fruit bread pudding is a low-fat dessert choice that can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Proteins

This recipe provides 6 grams of protein per serving, making it a balanced and nutritious dessert option.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit bread pudding is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the dried fruit and calcium from the milk.

Alergens

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

Summary

Fruit bread pudding is a nutritious and delicious dessert option that is low in fat and calories while providing a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins.

Summary

Fruit bread pudding is a delicious and nutritious dessert option that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a worn and tattered card, yellowed with age and covered in splatters of what I assumed were remnants of past culinary triumphs. The title simply read "Fruit Bread Pudding" in elegant cursive script, and underneath was a list of ingredients and instructions that seemed simple enough.

I had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that had belonged to my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, memories flooded back to me of the countless hours I had spent in her cozy kitchen, watching her effortlessly whip up delicious meals and treats for our family.

My grandmother had a way with food that was truly magical. She could take the simplest ingredients and turn them into culinary masterpieces that would leave our taste buds tingling with delight. I remember how she would always encourage me to help her in the kitchen, teaching me the importance of patience, precision, and love in cooking.

As I read through the recipe for Fruit Bread Pudding, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I knew that I had to give it a try, not only to honor my grandmother's memory but also to create something special for my own family to enjoy.

I gathered all the necessary ingredients - bread, eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and a medley of fresh fruits - and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed and poured and baked, the familiar scents of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen once again.

When the pudding was finally done and I took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of sweet, ripe fruits with the warm, comforting bread was a revelation. It was like a hug in a bowl, a taste of home that brought me back to those cherished moments spent with my grandmother.

I shared the Fruit Bread Pudding with my family, and their reactions were just as I had hoped. My children devoured it with gusto, asking for seconds and thirds, while my husband declared it to be the best dessert he had ever tasted. I couldn't help but smile with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated a piece of my grandmother's culinary legacy.

Over the years, I have made Fruit Bread Pudding countless times, experimenting with different fruits and spices to create new variations of the classic recipe. Each time I bake it, I feel a deep connection to my grandmother and the culinary traditions that she passed down to me.

I like to think that she would be proud of the cook I have become, carrying on her legacy in my own kitchen. And as I continue to share the recipe for Fruit Bread Pudding with my family and friends, I know that her spirit lives on in each delicious bite.