Rhubarb Bread Pudding: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Rhubarb Bread Pudding: Prepare to be transported to a realm of comforting warmth and tangy-sweet delight! Imagine sinking your spoon into a creamy, custard-soaked bread pudding, studded with the vibrant, slightly tart flavor of rhubarb. This isn’t just dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy afternoon or a memorable brunch.

Bread pudding itself boasts a rich history, originating as a thrifty way to use stale bread. But the addition of rhubarb elevates this classic to something truly special. Rhubarb, often called the “pie plant,” has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in Europe and North America, where its tartness provides a welcome contrast to sweeter flavors. It’s a springtime staple, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a dish that highlights its unique character?

People adore rhubarb bread pudding for its delightful combination of textures and tastes. The soft, yielding bread soaks up the rich custard, while the rhubarb adds a burst of tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness. It’s comforting, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of this rhubarb bread pudding lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Rhubarb Compote:
• 1 pound fresh rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Bread Pudding:
• 8 cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work well)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Toppings:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
• Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans), for garnish

Preparing the Rhubarb Compote:

Okay, let’s start with the rhubarb compote. This is going to add a beautiful tartness and sweetness to our bread pudding. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Cook the Compote: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rhubarb is tender and has broken down slightly. The compote should have thickened a bit. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cool the Compote: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rhubarb compote cool completely. As it cools, it will thicken further. You can even make this a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Bread Pudding Custard:

Now, let’s move on to the custard base for our bread pudding. This is where all the magic happens, soaking into the bread and creating that soft, comforting texture we all love.

1. Prepare the Bread: If your bread isn’t already stale, you can dry it out by cubing it and leaving it uncovered overnight. Alternatively, you can toast the cubes in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are dry but not browned. This helps the bread absorb the custard better.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Assembling and Baking the Bread Pudding:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Time to put everything together and get this bread pudding baking. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply divine.

1. Combine Bread and Custard: Place the cubed bread in a large bowl. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the bread is evenly coated. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the custard.
2. Let it Soak: Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a moist and delicious bread pudding. You can gently stir the mixture a few times during this soaking period to ensure even distribution.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the bread pudding from sticking to the dish.
5. Layer the Bread Pudding: Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the Rhubarb Compote: Spoon the cooled rhubarb compote evenly over the bread mixture in the dish. Try to distribute the rhubarb pieces throughout.
7. Top with Remaining Bread: Pour the remaining bread mixture over the rhubarb compote. Gently spread it out to cover the compote layer.
8. Bake 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 mostly clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the bread pudding to set up a bit more.

Serving and Enjoying:

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Time to serve up this warm, comforting, and utterly delicious Rhubarb Bread Pudding. Get ready for some serious compliments!

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the bread pudding with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
2. Serve Warm: Serve the bread pudding warm, either on its own or with your favorite toppings.
3. Add Toppings (Optional): Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream are classic choices that complement the rhubarb beautifully. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
4. Enjoy! Take a bite and savor the combination of sweet custard, tart rhubarb, and comforting bread. This Rhubarb Bread Pudding is perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or any time you’re craving a special treat.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah, brioche, and sourdough are excellent choices, you can use any type of bread you like. Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it absorbs the custard properly.
• Rhubarb Alternatives: If you don’t have rhubarb, you can substitute other fruits like apples, berries, or peaches. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. A pinch of cardamom or ginger would also be delicious in this bread pudding.
• Nutty Additions: Add a handful of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts) to the bread pudding mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent twist, sprinkle some chocolate chips over the bread pudding before baking.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storing Leftovers:

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Rhubarb Bread Pudding recipe is a winner because it balances the sweetness of the custard with the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly. The soaking time ensures that the bread is fully saturated, resulting in a moist and tender bread pudding. The addition of spices adds warmth and depth of flavor, making it a truly comforting and satisfying dessert. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and variations!

Conclusion:

This Rhubarb Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a nostalgic trip to simpler times, and a burst of springtime flavors all rolled into one. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates comfort food with a sophisticated twist. The tangy rhubarb perfectly complements the creamy custard and the slightly crusty bread, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. While it’s absolutely divine served warm with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, don’t be afraid to experiment! For a richer experience, try drizzling a homemade caramel sauce over the top. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds a delightful crunch.

For a brunch-friendly variation, consider adding a layer of cream cheese to the bottom of the baking dish before layering in the bread and rhubarb mixture. This creates a decadent and tangy base that elevates the entire dish. Another fantastic option is to incorporate other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, alongside the rhubarb for a more complex flavor profile. Imagine the vibrant colors and the explosion of fruity goodness!

And let’s not forget about the bread! While I’ve specified challah in the recipe, you can easily substitute it with brioche, croissants, or even day-old sourdough. Each type of bread will impart a slightly different texture and flavor to the pudding, so feel free to experiment and find your personal favorite. Just remember to let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s fully saturated and creates that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

This Rhubarb Bread Pudding is also incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Don’t worry if your measurements aren’t exact or if you need to adjust the baking time slightly. The beauty of bread pudding is that it’s inherently rustic and charming, and even slight imperfections only add to its character.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply a way to treat yourself to something truly delicious.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your photos and comments with me. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved about it, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll truly enjoy. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to see your beautiful Rhubarb Bread Pudding creations!