Tangy & Sweet: Fresh Rhubarb Bread Pudding Recipe
Bread pudding, a comforting classic, gets a vibrant spring makeover with the addition of fresh rhubarb. This Rhubarb Bread Pudding recipe is the perfect way to showcase the tartness of rhubarb, balanced beautifully with the sweetness of custard and the comforting texture of bread. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for brunch, a special occasion, or simply a cozy evening treat. Get ready to bake a delicious and unique bread pudding that everyone will love!
Why Rhubarb Bread Pudding?
While bread pudding is often associated with warmer spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, rhubarb brings a bright, fruity tartness that cuts through the richness of the custard. This combination creates a delightful complexity that makes each bite interesting and satisfying. Plus, using fresh rhubarb in season guarantees the best flavor and texture. Here’s why you should try this recipe:
* **Unique Flavor Profile:** The tart rhubarb complements the sweet custard perfectly, offering a unique and refreshing take on a classic dessert.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
* **Perfect for Spring:** Rhubarb is at its peak in spring, making this recipe ideal for showcasing seasonal ingredients.
* **Comfort Food with a Twist:** It provides the comforting warmth of bread pudding with a bright, fruity twist.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm or cold, plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Bread:** 8 cups of cubed bread (stale bread works best, such as brioche, challah, or French bread). This translates to roughly 1 loaf. Cut into approximately 1-inch cubes.
* **Rhubarb:** 4 cups of chopped fresh rhubarb (about 1 pound). Wash and trim the rhubarb stalks before chopping them into ½-inch pieces.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. These form the base of the custard and provide richness and structure.
* **Milk:** 2 cups of whole milk. Whole milk provides the best richness and flavor. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the texture might be slightly less creamy.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. Adds richness and luxuriousness to the custard.
* **Sugar:** ¾ cup granulated sugar. Balances the tartness of the rhubarb and sweetens the custard. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Enhances the flavor of the custard and adds a warm aroma.
* **Orange Zest:** 1 teaspoon of orange zest (optional, but highly recommended). Brightens the flavor and complements the rhubarb beautifully.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon of salt. Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Used to grease the baking dish.
* **Optional Toppings:** Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** The ideal size for this recipe.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the bread and rhubarb.
* **Medium Mixing Bowl:** For whisking together the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For thoroughly mixing the custard.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the rhubarb.
* **Oven:** Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Fresh Rhubarb Bread Pudding:
**Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Rhubarb**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and chopped rhubarb. Toss gently to distribute the rhubarb evenly throughout the bread.
**Step 2: Make the Custard**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest (if using), and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.
**Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding**
1. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and rhubarb in the large mixing bowl. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
2. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the bread to soak up the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and tender bread pudding. If you have more time, you can even refrigerate the mixture for several hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
**Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding**
1. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
1. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the custard to set further and prevents it from being too runny.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or top it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success
* **Use Stale Bread:** Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a more tender bread pudding. If you don’t have stale bread, you can cube fresh bread and let it sit out overnight to dry out slightly.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking Time:** Allowing the bread to soak in the custard is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding. The longer it soaks, the better the texture will be.
* **Adjust the Sugar:** The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference, depending on the tartness of your rhubarb and how sweet you like your desserts. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.
* **Add Other Fruits:** Feel free to add other fruits to the bread pudding, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. These will complement the rhubarb beautifully.
* **Spice It Up:** If you like, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the custard for a warmer flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** Bread pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it the night before and bake it the next day. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Freezing:** While bread pudding is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Let the bread pudding cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Variations
* **Strawberry Rhubarb Bread Pudding:** Add 1 cup of chopped strawberries to the bread and rhubarb mixture for a classic spring combination.
* **Ginger Rhubarb Bread Pudding:** Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the custard for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Lemon Rhubarb Bread Pudding:** Use lemon zest instead of orange zest for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Rhubarb Bread Pudding:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the bread and rhubarb mixture for a decadent twist.
* **Vegan Rhubarb Bread Pudding:** Substitute the eggs with a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use plant-based milk and cream, and ensure your bread is vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Rhubarb Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness that complements the tartness of the rhubarb.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy coolness that’s perfect for a warm bread pudding.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* **Maple Syrup:** A drizzle of maple syrup adds a warm and comforting sweetness.
* **Cinnamon:** A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Custard Sauce:** Serve with a homemade or store-bought custard sauce for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
* **Fruit Compote:** A fruit compote, such as strawberry or raspberry, adds a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 8-12g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Enjoy this delightful Rhubarb Bread Pudding! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring a taste of spring to your table.