There’s just something so heartwarming about a cozy dessert that wraps you in a blanket of flavor and nostalgia, and that’s exactly what Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding does! This rich, comforting dish is like a hug from your favorite person, especially during family gatherings when the air is filled with laughter and the sweet scent of maple wafts through the kitchen. Trust me, every bite feels like a celebration of those cherished moments spent with loved ones.
The combination of soft, custardy bread with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the deep sweetness of maple syrup is simply divine. It’s a dessert that brings everyone together, and I can’t think of a better way to end a meal or to enjoy a little afternoon treat. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed (this is key for that perfect texture!)
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk really gives it that rich creaminess)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (because who doesn’t love a little extra decadence?)
- 3/4 cup of maple syrup (the star of the show, bringing sweetness and flavor)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (to balance the tartness of the cranberries)
- 4 large eggs (these help bind everything together)
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries (for that delightful burst of tartness)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon (just a pinch for cozy spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (enhances all those lovely flavors)
How to Prepare Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is crucial because it ensures that your pudding bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden on top. So, let that oven warm up while we mix the rest of the ingredients!
Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, it’s time to whisk together the magic! Combine the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. I like to mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—make sure there are no lumps from the sugar or the eggs. A whisk works wonders here, and you’ll want to take your time to really incorporate everything. This custard is the soul of your bread pudding!
Combine Bread and Cranberries
Now, for the fun part! Add those lovely cubed pieces of stale bread and the fresh cranberries to your custard mixture. Gently stir everything together with a spatula, making sure the bread gets soaked in that glorious custard. Be careful not to break up the bread too much; you want those lovely chunks to hold their shape and soak up all that flavor!
Baking the Pudding
Pour the whole mixture into a greased baking dish—don’t forget to grease it well to avoid any sticky situations later! Spread it out evenly and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is absolutely heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. This little break allows the pudding to set up nicely. I like to serve it warm, and it’s absolutely delightful with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top. Seriously, you won’t regret it! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dessert that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this delightful Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, and your actual numbers may vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 6g
So there you have it! A cozy dessert that’s not only delicious but also gives you a little boost of energy and happiness. Perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep it all to yourself!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is your best friend here! It soaks up that custard beautifully without falling apart. If you don’t have stale bread on hand, just cut fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry out a bit.
- Mix Gently: When combining the bread and cranberries with the custard, be gentle! You want to coat the bread without mashing it too much. Those lovely chunks are what makes this pudding so delightful!
- Check for Doneness: To check if your pudding is done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Let It Cool: Allowing the pudding to cool for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Top It Off: Get creative with your toppings! A drizzle of extra maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even some chopped nuts can elevate your bread pudding to the next level.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your own twist! A splash of orange zest, a handful of nuts, or even a dash of nutmeg can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding that’s not just good, but absolutely spectacular! Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are some delightful variations to try:
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work just as well! They’ll add a sweet and chewy texture that’s equally delicious.
- Nuts Galore: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a lovely crunch! They add a wonderful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the maple and cranberries.
- Spiced Up: Want to give it a little extra warmth? Add a pinch of nutmeg or even some cardamom for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For the chocolate lovers out there, mix in some chocolate chips! They’ll melt into the pudding and create pockets of gooey goodness.
- Banana Bread Pudding: Substitute some of the cubed bread with stale banana bread for a fruity twist. The banana flavor will complement the maple syrup perfectly!
- Apple Cinnamon: Dice up some apples and toss them in with the cranberries. The combination of apples and cinnamon is a classic that never disappoints!
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different extracts! Almond extract can add a lovely depth, or try adding a splash of bourbon for a cozy, grown-up version.
These variations can take your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding from comforting to extraordinary, so don’t hesitate to get creative! Each twist offers a new way to enjoy this delicious treat, and I can’t wait to hear which one becomes your favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this scrumptious Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding, you’ll want to store them properly so you can enjoy every last bite! First things first, let the pudding cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and prevent any funky fridge odors from sneaking in!
You can store your bread pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day, and you might even find that the flavors have deepened a bit, which is always a win!
When you’re ready to indulge again, reheating is super simple. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pudding in a baking dish. You can sprinkle a little milk or cream over the top to keep it moist while it warms up. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer a quicker method, you can pop it in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, but I recommend the oven for that lovely, crispy top!
And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to keep your Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding as delightful as the first bite! Enjoy every delicious moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight desserts or last-minute gatherings.
- Rich, comforting flavors that combine maple sweetness with tart cranberries—an absolute crowd-pleaser!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand, so no fancy shopping required!
- Perfect for serving a crowd, yielding eight generous servings that are sure to satisfy everyone.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins, from nuts to different fruit options.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
- Great for any occasion—holidays, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in.
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding: 7 Cozy Comforts to Relish
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously rich and comforting dessert made with bread, cranberries, and maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine milk, cream, maple syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread and cranberries to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are not available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Maple Cranberry Bread Pudding