Oh, honey! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite desserts: Cherry Bread Pudding. This delightful dish is a nostalgic treat that always transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the smells of baking made my eyes sparkle long before I even got to taste anything. You see, growing up, we had a massive cherry tree in our backyard. Every summer, I would help my family harvest those ruby-red beauties, and they often found their way into our sweet treats. And this cherry bread pudding? It’s the perfect blend of crusty bread and luscious cherries—pure heaven in every bite!
There’s something truly special about transforming day-old bread into a soft, warm dessert, filling it with the summer’s best flavors. The combination of creamy custard, sweet cherries, and that hint of cinnamon makes it a cozy favorite that’s just as wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as it is all on its own. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for seconds!
What’s in Cherry Bread Pudding?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that create this heavenly concoction. Each one plays a crucial role, and I have some personal notes that can help you out!
6 cups cubed day-old bread: I like using brioche or French bread for this pudding. Day-old bread is key; it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully and gets that lovely texture when baked.
1 cup cherries: Whether you go for fresh or canned, just make sure they’re pitted and halved! The sweet juiciness of cherries is what makes this pudding so special.
1/2 cup cherry pie filling: This adds an extra punch of cherry flavor and sweetness, making every single bite a taste of tart bliss.
4 large eggs: These are the binding agents here, creating a creamy custard that holds everything together.
2 cups milk: Whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but skim or almond milk can work too if you’re looking for a lighter option.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
1 tsp vanilla extract: You really can’t have a dessert without this classic flavor!
1/2 tsp almond extract (optional): This is a little secret to enhance the cherry flavor! You can skip it if you’re not a fan of almond, but I love the depth it adds.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the cherries beautifully.
1/4 tsp salt: Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Butter (for greasing the baking dish): Just a little bit to prevent any sticking—don’t want to lose a single delicious bite!
Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional): Because who doesn’t love a scoop of cold ice cream on warm bread pudding? It’s pure magic!
Is Cherry Bread Pudding Good for You?
Right, let’s talk health! Now, while it’s a treat, there are some nutritious aspects to this delectable dish.
Cherries: They’re rich in antioxidants and are great for heart health. Plus, they add that lovely natural sweetness to the pudding!
Bread: Using whole grain or artisan bread can add fiber to your dessert, which is always a little bonus, right?
But let’s face it—this bread pudding is still a dessert. It has sugar and eggs, and while you could make some swaps (like using a sugar substitute or a dairy alternative), it’s meant to be enjoyed in moderation. After all, life is about balance, and a slice of this bread pudding now and then is totally worth it!
Ingredients List
– 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche or French bread)
– 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
– Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
This recipe serves about 8 generous portions—perfect for a family gathering or just a cozy night in!
How to Make Cherry Bread Pudding?
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this delightful dish. Follow these steps, and soon enough, your home will smell like a cherry paradise!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter to keep the pudding from sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract (if you’re using it), cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread to the egg mixture and gently fold until the bread is coated and soaked up the liquid goodness. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes—this is crucial for texture!
4. Fold in the cherries and cherry pie filling, just mixing gently to ensure even distribution.
5. Pour this gorgeous mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving—I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
8. Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and additional cherry pie filling if desired. Enjoy every heavenly bite!
Serving Suggestions & Tips for Perfection
Okay, let’s chat about a few extra tidbits to make your cherry bread pudding even better!
– If you want to get a bit fancy, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for a lovely finishing touch.
– You can also experiment with different fruits. Peaches or blueberries would work wonderfully!
– Make it ahead of time! You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve it. So handy for dinner parties!
– Don’t forget to play with your ice cream flavors. A scoop of cherry or even a scoop of chocolate would make this dessert positively decadent!
So, whether you’re whipping this up for a family dinner or just treating yourself to something special, I hope you give my Cherry Bread Pudding a try. Trust me, the joy it brings is worth every spoonful, and I can’t wait to hear how you like it! Remember, cooking is about gathering friends and family around and creating memories, one delicious bite at a time. Let’s get baking!
