Bayerischer Brotpudding

Background and History

Bayerischer Brotpudding, or Bavarian Bread Pudding, is a traditional dessert originating from Bavaria, a region in southern Germany. It has been a staple of Bavarian households for centuries, commonly made to use up leftover bread. In the past, households would make this dessert to avoid wasting food, making it a practical yet delicious meal. The dish usually involves soaking stale bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, then baking it until the pudding is moist and comforting. This dish is often associated with childhood memories and family gatherings in Bavaria.

Ingredients

• Stale bread - 400g
• Milk - 500ml
• Eggs - 3 large
• Sugar - 150g
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Raisins - 100g
• Butter - 50g
• Salt - a pinch

Preparation

To prepare the stale bread, start by cutting it into small cubes of around one inch or less. This allows for better absorption of the milk mixture. Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl. Warm up the milk slightly in a pan or microwave until it's lukewarm, ensuring it doesn't boil. This step helps in the better absorption of the milk by the stale bread.

Soaking the Bread

Pour the warmed milk over the bread cubes, ensuring all the bread is soaked evenly. Leave it to soak for around 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to allow even absorption. While the bread is soaking, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Making the Custard

In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they are completely blended. Add in the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Combine these ingredients thoroughly until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Combine the egg mixture with the milk-soaked bread, mixing gently to avoid breaking up the bread too much.

Baking the Bread Pudding

Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking. Pour your bread pudding mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the pudding with small pieces of butter to help brown and crisp the top layer. Optionally, you can sprinkle additional cinnamon on top for extra flavor.

Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 45-55 minutes. You can use a cooking timer to keep track. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

How to Enjoy Bayerischer Brotpudding

Bayerischer Brotpudding is best enjoyed warm, either on its own or with toppings such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a spoonful of whipped cream. Its comforting, custardy texture and sweet, spiced flavors make it an ideal dessert for winter evenings or festive celebrations. Gather your family or friends, serve this pudding with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and savor the traditional Bavarian flavors.