Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding (Mark Bittman)

🍞🍏🍂 Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding 🍂🍏🍞

Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices with the rich, custardy texture of bread pudding. This dessert is a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making it a favorite for fall and winter gatherings.

📜 History:
The history of bread pudding can be traced back to ancient times when frugal cooks sought ways to use up stale bread rather than wasting it. Over time, bread pudding evolved into a beloved dessert with various regional variations. The addition of apples and cardamom in this recipe adds a unique twist to this classic comfort food.

🥖 Components:

Bread: You’ll need about 6 cups of cubed day-old bread. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture well.
Apples: 2-3 medium-sized apples, preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
Custard Mixture: Made with eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt.
Butter: For greasing the baking dish and dotting the top of the pudding.
Optional Toppings: You can add a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Prepare the Bread and Apples: Cube the day-old bread and arrange it in the prepared baking dish. Layer the thinly sliced apples on top of the bread.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the sugar is well dissolved.
Pour Over Bread and Apples: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press the bread down to ensure it absorbs the liquid.
Add Butter: Dot the top of the pudding with small pieces of butter for extra richness.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, or nuts before serving for extra flavor.

⏰ Time Needed:

Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 45-55 minutes
Cooling: 15-20 minutes

In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. This delightful dessert is worth every minute, and it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or when you want to treat yourself to a comforting, seasonal dessert. Enjoy your Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding! 🍎🍞🍂😊

Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts for a serving of Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding, based on a typical recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving.
Protein: Around 7-9 grams.
Carbohydrates: Roughly 40-45 grams.
Sugar: Approximately 20-25 grams.
Fat: Around 18-20 grams.
Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams.
Fiber: Roughly 2-3 grams.
Cholesterol: Around 90-100 milligrams.
Sodium: Approximately 200-250 milligrams.

Health Information:

Moderate Calories: Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding is a moderately calorie-dense dessert, making it suitable for occasional indulgence rather than regular consumption.
Protein: This dessert contains a modest amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.
Carbohydrates and Sugar: The carbohydrates primarily come from the bread and sugar in the recipe. While it provides quick energy, be mindful of added sugars in your diet.
Fat: The fat content mainly comes from the eggs, cream, and butter. It contributes to the rich and creamy texture of the dessert.
Saturated Fat: There is a significant amount of saturated fat, primarily from the heavy cream and butter. Excessive saturated fat intake should be limited for heart health.
Fiber: This dessert is not a significant source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health.
Cholesterol: Due to the use of eggs and heavy cream, the pudding contains a moderate amount of cholesterol. It’s advisable to consume cholesterol-rich foods in moderation.
Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is positive for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. While Apple-Cardamom Bread Pudding is a delicious treat, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet due to its calorie and saturated fat content.

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