Cranberry Walnut Bread Pudding with Maple Cream Sauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you’re looking to cozy up with a warm, comforting dessert, this Cranberry Walnut Bread Pudding with Maple Cream Sauce is just the ticket. Loaded with sweet and tart flavors, it's perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Let’s dive into this gooey, decadent delight!

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Bread Pudding with Maple Cream Sauce

French bread gives this dessert its structure, soaking up the creamy mixture for a perfectly soft interior. Dried cranberries add a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness. Walnuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the pudding.

The whole milk and heavy cream create a rich custard base, while maple syrup adds a unique sweetness. Brown sugar deepens the flavor, and eggs help bind everything together. A dash of vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg lend warm, aromatic notes. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use day-old bread for better texture; fresh bread can become too mushy.
  • If you don’t have French bread, baguette or challah works beautifully too.
  • Let the bread soak in the custard for the full 10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
  • Toasting the walnuts briefly before adding them can enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding is divine on its own, but if you're feeling extra indulgent, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also wonderful alongside a cup of spiced tea or a glass of dessert wine for a cozy evening treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they will add more moisture to the pudding and may alter the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the baking time.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
Pecans work well as a substitute and offer a similar texture and flavor.

Cranberry Walnut Bread Pudding with Maple Cream Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9x9 inch baking dish and grease it with unsalted butter. This will help prevent sticking and add a little richness to the edges.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure it's smooth and well mixed. Pour this over the bread mixture, and gently stir to ensure all the bread pieces are coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak up the liquid.

Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a set center.

While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the maple cream sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until it thickens slightly, which should take about 5 minutes. Once the pudding is baked, let it cool for a bit before drizzling with the warm sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet and tart flavors for a delightful taste experience.
  • Perfect way to use up day-old bread.
  • Quick to prepare with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • The maple cream sauce takes it to the next level of indulgence.

Ingredients

6 cups cubed day-old French bread
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the bread mixture, stirring gently to ensure all bread pieces are coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes for the bread to absorb the liquid.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the maple cream sauce by combining 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3 tbsp maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
8. Once the bread pudding is baked, allow it to cool slightly before drizzling with the warm maple cream sauce.

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