Bread pudding with lemon

Lemon Bread Pudding – Bread Pudding with Lemon

Welcome to our kitchen, where every recipe is a delicious story we can share! Today, I invite you to prepare a refined and comforting dessert together: Lemon Bread Pudding, or Bread Pudding with Lemon. This is a classic recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, with flavors of lemon and cinnamon dancing on the palate.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

- 500 ml of milk
- 200 g of sugar (for caramel)
- 4 eggs
- 4 egg yolks
- 300 g of sugar (for the pudding mixture)
- 100 g of bread crumbs (preferably slightly stale everyday bread)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 stick of cinnamon

A Brief History of the Recipe

Bread pudding is a dessert with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It was originally created as an ingenious solution to use leftover bread, thus avoiding food waste. Over time, the recipe evolved, enriched with various flavors and ingredients. Thus, lemon bread pudding gained popularity due to the fascinating combination of caramel sweetness and the fresh acidity of lemon.

Step by Step: Preparing the Pudding

1. Preparing the Caramel: Start by making the caramel. In a small pan, add 200 g of sugar and place it over medium heat. Be careful, as the sugar will melt and turn golden. When ready, quickly pour it into the round oven-safe mold, ensuring it evenly covers the bottom. Make sure to protect yourself from steam, as the caramel is extremely hot.

2. Boiling the Milk: In a pot, add 500 ml of milk, lemon zest, and the cinnamon stick. Heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk begins to boil. Then, remove the lemon zest and cinnamon and let it cool slightly.

3. Preparing the Mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks with 300 g of sugar. Add the lemon juice, bread crumbs, and the boiled milk. Use a blender to mix everything until you achieve a homogeneous mixture, similar to a cream.

4. Assembling the Pudding: Carefully pour the obtained cream into the mold with caramel. Now, it's time to prepare the water bath. Fill a tray with hot water and place the pudding mold in the center. This method will help bake the pudding evenly.

5. Baking: Place the mold in the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for about an hour. You will know it's ready when the pudding is firm to the touch but still slightly elastic.

6. Cooling and Serving: After removing the pudding from the oven, let it cool completely in the mold. Then, to serve, place a round platter over the mold and carefully invert the pudding so that the caramel is on top.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Bread: It is important to use bread that is not fresh to achieve a good texture. Brioche or ciabatta is an excellent choice, but you can also use regular bread.
- Flavoring: You can experiment with flavors by adding vanilla or almonds to the mixture for an extra touch of refinement.
- Serving: The pudding pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and a slice of lemon on the edge of the plate can add an elegant and fresh touch.

Nutritional Information

This pudding has a moderate calorie content, with approximately 220 calories per serving. It is rich in protein due to the eggs and has a calcium contribution from the milk. The lemon adds a boost of vitamin C, while cinnamon has antioxidant properties, making it a beneficial ingredient for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute lemon with another fruit?
Yes, you can use oranges or even vanilla to achieve a different flavor.

2. How can I make the pudding less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the caramel or in the pudding mixture, adjusting to taste.

3. What other desserts can this pudding be paired with?
The pudding pairs perfectly with a berry sauce or an apple tart for a mix of flavors.

A Personal Note

This lemon bread pudding recipe holds a special significance for me, as it reminds me of evenings spent with family, when everyone contributed to preparing the dessert. I encourage you to try it and share your moments with loved ones!

So, let's get to work and enjoy this lemon bread pudding! Enjoy your meal!