Introduction
On a cold day, there's something about bread pudding that seems comforting. It brings back fond memories of homey kitchens and the uncomplicated delight of transforming ordinary items into something spectacular. You may create a dessert that is both decadent and revitalizing by combining that traditional comfort food with the bright, tart sweetness of fresh raspberries.
A wonderful variation of the traditional version, Raspberry Bread Pudding combines soft bread soaked in custard with juicy raspberries that add a pop of color to every bite. This recipe balances decadence and lightness, in contrast to the usual rich and heavy bread puddings. The tart contrast created by the raspberries cuts through the richness and entices you to return for more.
The innovation is that this recipe layers the flavors with a touch of almond extract and a scattering of slivered almonds for texture, rather than using the typical vanilla custard. The raspberries are expertly complemented by the nuttiness, which results in a sophisticated dessert that is incredibly comfortable.
The Allure of Raspberry Bread Pudding
- Daily Elegance: There are so many ways to customize this dessert. Serve it as a simple family treat or dress it up for a dinner party by adding a dollop of mascarpone or a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
- Bread Revived: This is the ideal method for reviving day-old bread. Almost any bread will work, from rustic sourdough to buttery brioche, providing you versatility and cutting down on waste.
- Textural Play: The almonds and raspberries add crunch and acidity, while the custard-soaked bread delivers creamy deliciousness.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Although raspberries are the main ingredient in this recipe, blueberries, blackberries, or even chopped peaches are great additions.
Tips For The Perfect Raspberry Bread Pudding
Here's how you can prepare the best raspberry bread pudding at home:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread ensures a luxurious texture without getting mushy because it absorbs the custard better.
- Thoroughly Whisk The Custard: To prevent scrambled egg fragments in the finished dish, thoroughly combine the eggs, milk, and sugar.
- Balance Sweetness: Depending on how tart your raspberries are, adjust the sugar. Fruit that is overripe might need less sugar.
- Rest The Mixture Before Baking: To guarantee that every piece of bread is completely infused with custard, let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes before baking.
Raspberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Here's how you can prepare the ideal raspberry bread pudding from the comfort of your kitchen:
Ingredients
- 300 g day-old bread (brioche, challah, or sourdough), cut into 2.5 cm cubes
- 150 g fresh raspberries
- 3 large eggs
- 400 ml whole milk
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 40 g slivered almonds (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Method
- Lightly butter a 20 x 20 cm baking dish and preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the bread pieces in the dish and evenly distribute the raspberries on top.
- Combine eggs, milk, cream, sugar, almond and vanilla extracts, and lemon zest in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Press lightly to submerge all of the bread cubes as you pour the custard over the bread and raspberries. Soak for fifteen minutes.
- Top with sliced almonds and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pudding is firm and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar after allowing it to cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with a raspberry sauce drizzle or whipped cream.