Holiday Bread Pudding
Holiday Bread Pudding Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from the USA
Introduction
Holiday Bread Pudding is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines simple ingredients like eggs, Sprite, milk, brown sugar, and bread to create a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
History
Bread pudding has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the dish appearing in different cultures around the world. The addition of Sprite in this recipe adds a unique twist to the traditional bread pudding, giving it a light and refreshing flavor that is perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 2.25 cups Sprite
- 0.75 cup powdered milk
- 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 5 slices day-old white bread, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 0.33 cup raisins
How to prepare
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, Sprite, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the bread pieces and raisins. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
- Turn the mixture into an ungreased 8x1.5 inch round baking dish. Place the dish in a 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Carefully pour some hot water into the larger pan to a depth of 1 inch.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F (177°C) oven for approximately 50 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the pudding for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute the Sprite with apple cider or orange juice for a different twist on the recipe.
- Top the pudding with a streusel topping before baking for a crunchy and sweet finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use day-old bread for this recipe, as it will absorb the custard mixture better and hold its shape during baking.
- Soaking the bread in the custard mixture for a few minutes before baking will help ensure a moist and delicious pudding.
- Be sure to place the baking dish in a larger pan with hot water to create a water bath, which will help the pudding cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Bread Pudding is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce or sprinkle it with cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to bake the pudding in a water bath to ensure even cooking and prevent it from drying out.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use any type of bread for this recipe, such as brioche, challah, or even croissants.
- If you don't have Sprite on hand, you can substitute it with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the bread pudding up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. - Dust the top of the pudding with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Holiday Bread Pudding pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.
- For a more indulgent treat, serve the pudding with a glass of dessert wine or a spiked hot chocolate.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat the pudding, simply place it in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
250
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 27g
Fats
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 6g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin D: 1.5mcg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
Alergens
Contains eggs, milk, and wheat
Summary
Holiday Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and sugars, but also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Holiday Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.
How did I get this recipe?
I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Holiday Bread Pudding. It was many years ago, during a brisk autumn afternoon, when I was rummaging through a dusty old recipe box that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the faded index cards and yellowed scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a worn piece of parchment with the words “Holiday Bread Pudding” scrawled across it in elegant script.
Intrigued by the name alone, I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish. The recipe called for bread, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a handful of raisins – simple enough, but I could sense that there was something special about this particular recipe.
As I mixed the ingredients together and poured the fragrant mixture into a baking dish, I couldn’t help but wonder about the origins of the recipe. Who had written it down? Where had they learned to make it? And most importantly, what made it a “holiday” bread pudding?
As the pudding baked in the oven, filling my kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, I found myself drifting back in time to my own childhood. I remembered my own grandmother, a formidable woman with a passion for cooking and a knack for creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients.
I recalled the long afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen, watching in awe as she whipped up batch after batch of her famous dishes. She never followed a recipe exactly, preferring to rely on her instincts and intuition to guide her through the cooking process. And yet, every dish she made was a masterpiece – perfectly seasoned, expertly cooked, and bursting with flavor.
I remembered how she would always encourage me to help her in the kitchen, teaching me the importance of patience, precision, and above all, love. She would tell me stories of her own grandmother, who had been a renowned chef in her day, passing down her recipes and culinary secrets to future generations.
And as I waited for the bread pudding to cool, I realized that I had inherited more than just a recipe from my grandmother. I had inherited a love of cooking, a reverence for tradition, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal.
When the pudding was finally ready, I served myself a generous portion and took a bite. The warm, custardy texture melted in my mouth, the sweet raisins bursting with flavor, and the subtle hint of spices dancing on my tongue. It was pure comfort in a dish, a taste of the holidays that I had never experienced before.
As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I would make it for my own grandchildren one day, passing down the tradition of Holiday Bread Pudding from generation to generation.
And as I sat there, surrounded by the memories of my grandmother and the aroma of freshly baked bread pudding, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple joys of life – the joy of cooking, the joy of sharing, and above all, the joy of family.