Cherry Bread Pudding Recipe – A Sweet and Comforting Dessert

When it comes to classic comfort foods, bread pudding is one of those timeless desserts that everyone loves. It’s warm, comforting, and can be made in a variety of ways. But if you’re looking for something that’s a little extra special, then Cherry Bread Pudding is the perfect twist on the classic recipe.

This dessert combines the rich, soft texture of bread pudding with the tart sweetness of cherries, creating a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering, a holiday dinner, or as a way to use up stale bread, this recipe will definitely steal the show. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious Cherry Bread Pudding at home! 😋🍒

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Tart Combination – The sweetness of the bread pudding balanced with the tartness of fresh cherries creates the perfect flavor harmony. 🍞🍒
• Comforting & Cozy – The warm, gooey texture makes it a comforting treat for chilly evenings. 🏠
• Simple Ingredients – With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like a million bucks. 💵🍰
• Easy to Make – Even beginners in the kitchen can whip this up in no time! 🧑‍🍳

🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To create the best Cherry Bread Pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

🍞 For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups stale bread (preferably a baguette, brioche, or challah) – Cut into cubes
• 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved) 🍒
• 2 cups milk – You can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option 🥛
• 1 cup heavy cream – For extra richness 🍦
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweeten to taste 🍬
• 3 large eggs 🥚
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 🍦
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon – For a hint of warmth 🧄
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors 🧂

🍒 For the Cherry Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and chopped) 🍒
• 1/4 cup sugar – You can add more if you like it sweeter 🍬
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – To thicken the sauce 📦

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• Use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available, though fresh will provide the best flavor! 🧊
• Add a handful of raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. 🍫
• To make it a vegan recipe, swap the milk and cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy option and use flax eggs. 🥥

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to create this incredible Cherry Bread Pudding! Follow the simple steps below to bring this delicious dessert to life.

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. Cube the Bread – Start by cutting your stale bread into bite-sized cubes. Stale bread works best for bread pudding because it soaks up all the custard without becoming too mushy.
2. Set it Aside – Put the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl and let it sit while you prepare the custard mixture. This will allow the bread to absorb the custard better.

🧑‍🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and fully combined. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk to do this.
2. Add the Spices – Sprinkle in the cinnamon and a pinch of salt. These will add warmth and balance the sweetness of the bread pudding.
3. Combine the Custard with the Bread – Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, making sure all the bread pieces are soaked. Gently mix it together, pressing the bread into the liquid to ensure everything is well-covered.
4. Add the Cherries – Fold in your fresh cherries (or frozen if that’s what you have). If you prefer a more concentrated cherry flavor, you can mash some of them up before adding them to the mix. 🍒

💡 Tip: Let the bread and custard sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard for a richer texture.

🔥 Step 3: Bake the Cherry Bread Pudding

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for slowly cooking the pudding while giving it a golden brown top.
2. Grease the Baking Dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Then, pour the bread mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake it Perfectly – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

💡 Pro Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking.

🍒 Step 4: Make the Cherry Sauce (Optional)

1. Prepare the Sauce – While the bread pudding is baking, you can make a sweet cherry sauce to drizzle over the top. Combine the chopped cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
2. Simmer – Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
3. Let it Cool – Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. You’ll want it to be warm when serving with your bread pudding.

🍽️ Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bread pudding is golden brown and fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Drizzle the warm cherry sauce over each serving, and add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like! 🍦

💡 Serving Suggestions

While Cherry Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert on its own, here are some ways to make it even more special:

• With Ice Cream – Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream to take it to the next level! 🍨
• Top with Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream makes it even more indulgent. 🍰
• Serve as a Breakfast – Who says bread pudding is just for dessert? Pair it with a cup of coffee for a comforting breakfast. ☕
• Add a Sprinkle of Cinnamon – For extra spice, lightly dust the top with a bit of cinnamon before serving. 🍥

🍲 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

To reheat:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the bread pudding for about 10 minutes, or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 30-second intervals until hot.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture and place it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick and easy dessert.

2️⃣ Can I Use Dried Cherries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cherries, but make sure to soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes to rehydrate them before adding them to the bread pudding.

3️⃣ Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Absolutely! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and flax eggs or another egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version. 🍃

4️⃣ How Can I Make the Bread Pudding Even Richer?

For an extra creamy texture, try adding a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese to the custard mixture before baking.

---

🍒 Conclusion – A Sweet Ending!

There you have it – the perfect Cherry Bread Pudding Recipe! Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or just because you love a good dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With its perfect balance of sweet cherries, creamy custard, and golden-baked bread, it’s comfort food at its finest.