Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding! It’s a dessert that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. Imagine the delightful combination of sweet maple syrup mingling with the tartness of fresh cranberries—it’s like autumn on your plate! I first made this for a cozy family gathering, and the way everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite was priceless. The soft, custardy bread soaked in creamy goodness is pure comfort food. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again, especially when you’re looking for that perfect dessert to impress your friends or just treat yourself after a long day. You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients for Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this heartwarming dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 cups cubed bread: Use a sturdy bread like challah or French bread for the best texture. Make sure the bread is slightly stale; it soaks up the custard beautifully!
2 cups milk: Whole milk works wonders, but feel free to use 2% if that’s what you have on hand.
1 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and creaminess—don’t skimp on this one!
3/4 cup sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pudding just right; you can adjust this if you prefer it less sweet.
4 large eggs: They bind everything together and create that lovely custard texture.
1/2 cup maple syrup: The star of the show! Use real maple syrup for an authentic flavor.
1 cup fresh cranberries: These little gems add a burst of tartness; if fresh ones aren’t available, dried cranberries will do.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that warm, inviting flavor.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to the dish.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness!
How to Prepare Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious bread pudding! It’s super easy, so don’t worry if you’re new to baking. Here’s how to do it:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly, so don’t skip this step!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk it all together until smooth—this is where the magic starts!
Next, gently fold in those bread cubes and fresh cranberries. Make sure every piece of bread gets a nice soak in that creamy mixture. It’s okay if the bread starts to break a little; that just adds to the texture!
Once everything is well mixed, pour your delightful concoction into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will work.
Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is just set—no more jiggly bits! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so you don’t burn your tongue.
And there you have it—simple, right? I can almost smell it baking now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously rich flavor with the perfect blend of sweet maple and tart cranberries.
Easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Comforting dessert that warms your soul and is perfect for chilly evenings.
Ideal for sharing during holidays or family gatherings—everyone will ask for seconds!
Seasonal appeal that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding turns out absolutely divine, here are a few handy tips I swear by:
Choose Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the tastier your pudding! Go for fresh cranberries and real maple syrup—it makes all the difference.
Stale Bread is Key: If your bread is a bit stale, that’s perfect! It’ll absorb the custard mixture better and give you that lovely soft texture. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
Don’t Overmix: When you combine the bread and cranberries with the custard, mix gently. You want to coat the bread, not mush it up too much!
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on it while baking. Every oven is different, so the first time you make it, check around the 45-minute mark—look for that lovely golden top!
Let it Rest: After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit more and makes for easier slicing.
Variations on Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up this Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding to keep things exciting! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
Mixed Berries: Swap out the cranberries for a mix of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a vibrant twist.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips or chunks into the mix for a rich, decadent treat that pairs beautifully with the maple.
Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Banana Bliss: Layer in some sliced bananas for a sweet, comforting flavor that harmonizes perfectly with maple.
Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love! The possibilities are endless, and every variation is bound to be delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding is super easy! Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds to warm it up. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes if you prefer that freshly baked taste. Enjoy it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying dessert, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! For each slice of this delightful Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding, you can expect about 300 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. There are also around 35 grams of carbohydrates, including 20 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, indulge a little and savor every bite—after all, it’s a treat!
FAQ About Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe
I’m thrilled to answer some common questions about this delightful Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding! Here we go:
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work just fine. Just remember they’re sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar a tad.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving for that warm, cozy feel!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What type of bread works best? A sturdy bread like challah or French bread is ideal for soaking in the custard. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it might get too mushy!
Can I add other fruits or flavors? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with berries, bananas, or even nuts for added texture and flavor!
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? I can’t urge you enough to give this Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding a try! It’s one of those desserts that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your experiences or any fun twists you add! Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this pudding is sure to steal the show. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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