A warm plate of Charleston’s bread pudding sits beside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch and a drizzle of caramel sauce for sweetness.
I assure you, that combination is simply divine. Perhaps you might even enjoy it with a glass of sweet iced tea, a Southern staple that complements the rich flavors beautifully. The possibilities are endless, but one thing is certain: this dessert shines brighter with a little accompaniment.
Ingredients for Charleston’s Bread Pudding
Here’s the list of ingredients you’ll need. Feel free to take a mental note or jot them down.
- 3 eggs, gently whisked
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup fine white sugar
- 1 cup golden brown sugar
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon fragrant cardamom
- 10 slices of slightly stale bread
- ½ cup sliced peaches
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Isn’t it funny? Just by reading that, I can almost smell the intoxicating aroma of the spices wafting through the air. Each ingredient plays a vital role. The sugars create a delightful sweetness, while the spices elevate the flavor profile significantly.
How to Make Charleston’s Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preparing the Bread
Start by cutting the slightly stale bread into cubes. The key here is to use bread that’s just a bit old. Croissants, challah, or a good old-fashioned white bread works wonders. If it’s too fresh, it doesn’t soak up the custard as well. And trust me, a nice soak is what it’s all about for this recipe.
Step 2: Making the Custard
Next up is making the custard. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lightly whisked eggs, whole milk, both types of sugar, melted butter, vanilla, sea salt, and spices (the cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom).
Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. The smell will whisk you away to the South even if you’re far from it.
Step 3: Combining the Mixture
Now, it’s time to add in the stale bread cubes. Gently fold them into the custard mixture until they’re well coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, let the bread soak it all in. You want every piece to be as flavorful as possible.
Step 4: Adding the Fruits
Here comes the fun part! Fold in the sliced peaches and dried cranberries. These fruity additions provide bursts of flavor and texture. While some people prefer adding raisins or even chocolate chips, I always lean towards the peaches and cranberries for this recipe.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer your luscious mixture into the greased dish, smoothing the top out. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Halfway through the baking time, give it a gentle poke to check if it’s custardy in the center yet. When done, a knife inserted in the center should come out clean, signifying that it’s cooked to perfection.
Step 6: Serving the Delight
Once removed from the oven, allow the pudding to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting time seems long but it’s essential for the pudding to set. Then, serve warm and dress it up with your desired toppings!
Recipe Notes
Let’s break down the ingredients a bit further, so you can appreciate each one.
- Eggs: These provide the structure and richness needed in the pudding, acting as a binding agent.
- Whole Milk: This liquid component gives the pudding a creamy texture. Opt for whole milk rather than low-fat for the best results.
- Sugars: The fine white sugar adds sweetness, while the brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: This ingredient reinforces the buttery goodness that envelopes the bread. Remember, you can always control the saltiness this way.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a punch of flavor that’s adored by many. Always opt for pure vanilla, as its taste is incomparable to imitation.
- Sea Salt: Just a touch of salt enhances flavor without making things taste salty. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- Spices: The cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom create a warm, inviting profile. They invoke feelings of home and comfort.
- Bread: The star of the dish! A slightly stale bread holds the custard better, ensuring every mouthful is delicious.
- Peaches and Cranberries: These fruits add natural sweetness and a lovely tartness to the dish. They create a delightful contrast with the richness of the custard.
Recipe Variations
Bread pudding is unbelievably versatile. Here are some variations to get you started:
- Berry Delight: Substitute peaches and cranberries with blueberries and strawberries for a berry twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Toss in some chocolate chips or chunks if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a half cup of pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for a spicier kick if you’re a fan of strong flavors.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a flax egg substitute, almond milk, and coconut oil to make it plant-based.
- Savory Option: For something different, consider using savory bread such as focaccia with herbs and cheese.
Conclusion
Charleston’s bread pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and memories. Every bite tells a story of heritage and tradition. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or during a casual evening at home, it has a way of bringing people together.
As a food blogger with a passion for healthy, delicious recipes, I encourage you to give this one a try. Don’t be afraid to play around with different ingredients or variations. Each time you make it, it can be a new experience.
So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite apron, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from creating something truly delightful. Happy baking!
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Charleston’s Bread Pudding Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook
Description
As a food enthusiast and registered dietitian, I’ve explored countless recipes throughout my culinary adventures.
However, Charleston's bread pudding holds a special place in my heart. It embodies comfort. With its rich flavors and delightful texture, this dessert mirrors the warmth and hospitality of Southern culture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can adapt it based on the mood and ingredients you have on hand. Over the years, I have modified elements while maintaining the core essence of this classic dish.
The combination of spices, sweet fruits, and buttery bread creates magic in your mouth. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread—a win-win situation!
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Bread
-
Start by cutting the slightly stale bread into cubes. The key here is to use bread that's just a bit old. Croissants, challah, or a good old-fashioned white bread works wonders. If it's too fresh, it doesn’t soak up the custard as well. And trust me, a nice soak is what it’s all about for this recipe.
Step 2: Making the Custard
-
Next up is making the custard. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lightly whisked eggs, whole milk, both types of sugar, melted butter, vanilla, sea salt, and spices (the cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom).
Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. The smell will whisk you away to the South even if you’re far from it.
Step 3: Combining the Mixture
-
Now, it's time to add in the stale bread cubes. Gently fold them into the custard mixture until they’re well coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, let the bread soak it all in. You want every piece to be as flavorful as possible.
Step 4: Adding the Fruits
-
Here comes the fun part! Fold in the sliced peaches and dried cranberries. These fruity additions provide bursts of flavor and texture. While some people prefer adding raisins or even chocolate chips, I always lean towards the peaches and cranberries for this recipe.
Step 5: Baking the Casserole
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer your luscious mixture into the greased dish, smoothing the top out. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
Halfway through the baking time, give it a gentle poke to check if it’s custardy in the center yet. When done, a knife inserted in the center should come out clean, signifying that it's cooked to perfection.
Step 6: Serving the Delight
-
Once removed from the oven, allow the pudding to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting time seems long but it’s essential for the pudding to set. Then, serve warm and dress it up with your desired toppings!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 353kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11.3g18%
- Saturated Fat 2.6g13%
- Cholesterol 238mg80%
- Sodium 271mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 57g19%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 43g
- Protein 8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Eggs: These provide the structure and richness needed in the pudding, acting as a binding agent.
- Whole Milk: This liquid component gives the pudding a creamy texture. Opt for whole milk rather than low-fat for the best results.
- Sugars: The fine white sugar adds sweetness, while the brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel flavor that is simply irresistible.
- Unsalted Butter: This ingredient reinforces the buttery goodness that envelopes the bread. Remember, you can always control the saltiness this way.
- Vanilla Extract: This adds a punch of flavor that’s adored by many. Always opt for pure vanilla, as its taste is incomparable to imitation.
- Sea Salt: Just a touch of salt enhances flavor without making things taste salty. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
- Spices: The cinnamon, allspice, and cardamom create a warm, inviting profile. They invoke feelings of home and comfort.
- Bread: The star of the dish! A slightly stale bread holds the custard better, ensuring every mouthful is delicious.
- Peaches and Cranberries: These fruits add natural sweetness and a lovely tartness to the dish. They create a delightful contrast with the richness of the custard.
