Cherry Bread Pudding: A Decadent Delight with Easy Instructions

Bread pudding, a classic comfort food, gets a delightful makeover with the addition of sweet and tart cherries. This Cherry Bread Pudding recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a special occasion. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a wonderful way to use up leftover bread. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this heartwarming treat.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Bread Pudding

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The combination of soft bread, creamy custard, and juicy cherries is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
* **Perfect for Using Leftover Bread:** Turn stale bread into a gourmet dessert.
* **Versatile:** Customize the recipe with different types of bread, cherries, and flavorings.
* **Impressive:** This bread pudding looks and tastes fantastic, making it ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bread:** 8 cups of cubed bread (stale bread works best – challah, brioche, French bread, or even sourdough are all great options)
* **Cherries:** 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved (if using frozen, thaw and drain them first)
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs
* **Milk:** 2 cups whole milk (or a combination of milk and cream for extra richness)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup heavy cream
* **Sugar:** 1 cup granulated sugar
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* **Almond Extract:** 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon salt
* **Optional Toppings:** Powdered sugar, whipped cream, cherry sauce, chopped nuts

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the custard ingredients.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** For baking the bread pudding.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the custard until smooth.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For preparing the cherries and bread.
* **Oven:** For baking the bread pudding.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cherry Bread Pudding:

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

1. **Cube the Bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. If using fresh bread, you can dry it out slightly by leaving it out on the counter overnight or toasting it lightly in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
2. **Place Bread in Baking Dish:** Arrange the cubed bread evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

1. **Pit and Halve Cherries:** If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.
2. **Scatter Cherries:** Sprinkle the cherries evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

1. **Whisk Eggs and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and frothy.
2. **Add Milk, Cream, and Extracts:** Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
3. **Add Spices:** Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. **Whisk Until Smooth:** Ensure the custard is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

1. **Pour Custard Over Bread:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cherries in the baking dish.
2. **Press Down Gently:** Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down into the custard, ensuring that all the bread is moistened.
3. **Let Soak:** Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and become wonderfully soft.

Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Drizzle with Butter:** Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
3. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
4. **Cool Slightly:** Let the bread pudding cool slightly in the baking dish before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Serve Warm:** Serve the Cherry Bread Pudding warm, either on its own or with your favorite toppings.
2. **Optional Toppings:** Dust with powdered sugar, top with whipped cream, drizzle with cherry sauce, or sprinkle with chopped nuts.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Bread Pudding

* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a softer, more flavorful bread pudding. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in a low oven.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking Time:** Soaking the bread in the custard is crucial for achieving the right texture. The longer the bread soaks, the softer and more pudding-like the final result will be.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet bread pudding, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard.
* **Add Other Fruits:** Feel free to add other fruits to the bread pudding, such as blueberries, raspberries, or apples. Just make sure to adjust the amount of cherries accordingly.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts to customize the flavor of the bread pudding. Almond extract complements cherries particularly well, but you could also try lemon extract, orange extract, or rum extract.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra decadent treat, add chocolate chips to the bread pudding along with the cherries.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and bake it later. Assemble the bread pudding as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the top of the bread pudding starts to brown too quickly during baking, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
* **Ensure Custard is Set:** The bread pudding is done when the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the custard is still runny, continue baking for a few more minutes.
* **Use a Water Bath:** For an even more custardy and tender bread pudding, bake it in a water bath. Place the baking dish inside a larger baking pan and fill the outer pan with hot water, reaching about halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This helps to regulate the temperature and prevent the bread pudding from drying out.

Variations on Cherry Bread Pudding

This Cherry Bread Pudding recipe is a great starting point, but there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

* **Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) to the bread pudding along with the cherries. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking.
* **Cherry Almond Bread Pudding:** Increase the amount of almond extract to 1 teaspoon and add 1/4 cup of sliced almonds to the bread pudding along with the cherries.
* **Cherry Cheesecake Bread Pudding:** Add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the custard mixture and whisk until smooth. This will give the bread pudding a creamy, cheesecake-like texture.
* **Spiced Cherry Bread Pudding:** Add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or ginger to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Cherry Coconut Bread Pudding:** Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the bread pudding along with the cherries.
* **Vegan Cherry Bread Pudding:** Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut cream. Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Ensure the bread is vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm bread pudding perfectly.
* **Cherry Sauce:** Drizzle with cherry sauce for an extra burst of cherry flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich and decadent touch.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
* **Custard Sauce (Crème Anglaise):** A classic custard sauce adds richness and sophistication.
* **Fresh Berries:** Serve with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a colorful and refreshing touch.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Cherry Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
* **Freeze:** While bread pudding is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Bread Pudding is Too Dry:** This could be due to not enough custard or overbaking. Make sure to use the correct amount of custard and don’t overbake the bread pudding. You can also try adding a little more milk or cream to the custard mixture next time.
* **Bread Pudding is Too Soggy:** This could be due to too much custard or not enough soaking time. Make sure to use the correct amount of custard and allow the bread to soak for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also try using slightly stale bread next time.
* **Bread Pudding is Burning on Top:** This could be due to the oven temperature being too high. Reduce the oven temperature slightly or tent the bread pudding loosely with aluminum foil during baking.
* **Custard is Not Setting:** This could be due to not enough eggs or underbaking. Make sure to use the correct amount of eggs and bake the bread pudding until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cherry Bread Pudding Recipe

This Cherry Bread Pudding is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma of cherries, and the comforting taste of a homemade dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delicious treat, this bread pudding is sure to delight. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dessert.

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 8 cups cubed bread (challah, brioche, French bread, or sourdough)
* 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups whole milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, cherry sauce, chopped nuts

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bread:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and place in the prepared baking dish.
2. **Prepare the Cherries:** If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them. Sprinkle the cherries evenly over the bread cubes.
3. **Make the Custard:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and frothy. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
4. **Soak the Bread:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cherries in the baking dish. Gently press the bread down into the custard, ensuring all the bread is moistened. Let soak for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours.
5. **Bake:** Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the bread pudding cool slightly in the baking dish before serving. Serve warm, with optional toppings such as powdered sugar, whipped cream, cherry sauce, or chopped nuts.

Enjoy this decadent and easy-to-make Cherry Bread Pudding!