Decadent Cake Crumb Pudding
Transform your stale cake into a delightful dessert with this Decadent Cake Crumb Pudding! This versatile recipe allows you to utilize any type of cake, whether it's chocolate, vanilla, or fruit-flavored, to create a luxuriously creamy custard. Enhance the texture and flavor by adding your choice of nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut. Top it all off with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent finish. Perfect for using up leftovers, this pudding is both economical and delicious, making it a fantastic dessert option for any occasion.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cake crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Use any stale cake, crumbled into small pieces.)
Eggs
2 large (Slightly beaten.)
Hot milk
2 cups (Heated until steaming but not boiling.)
Sugar
4-6 teaspoons (Adjust to taste.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Fine sea salt.)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract.)
Raisins or walnuts
1/2 cup (Optional, for added texture and flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs until frothy.
3
Slowly pour the hot milk into the eggs, whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
4
Add the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
5
Fold in the cake crumbs until they are well coated with the custard mixture.
6
If using, gently fold in raisins or walnuts.
7
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
8
Place the baking dish in a larger pan filled with hot water to create a water bath.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
11
Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Cake Crumb Pudding?
It is a creamy custard-based dessert that transforms stale cake leftovers into a rich and indulgent pudding.
What type of cake works best for this recipe?
You can use any type of stale cake, including chocolate, vanilla, or fruit-flavored varieties.
Can I use fresh cake instead of stale cake?
Yes, though stale cake is preferred as it absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the pudding need to bake?
Bake for approximately 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why must I pour the hot milk slowly into the eggs?
Pouring slowly while whisking continuously tempers the eggs, preventing them from curdling.
Should the milk be boiling when added?
No, the milk should be heated until steaming but not reaching a full boil.
What extra ingredients can I add for texture?
You can add 1/2 cup of raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.
Is a water bath necessary for baking?
Yes, placing the baking dish in a water bath ensures even cooking and prevents the custard from breaking.
How do I test if the pudding is done?
Insert a knife into the center of the pudding; if it comes out clean, the dessert is finished.
Can I serve this dessert cold?
Yes, the pudding can be served either warm or chilled depending on your preference.
What is the recommended topping?
A dollop of whipped cream is recommended for an extra touch of indulgence.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 4-6 teaspoons of sugar, which can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness.
Can I use different extracts instead of vanilla?
Yes, almond extract or even a splash of rum can be used as a substitute or addition.
How small should the cake crumbs be?
The cake should be crumbled into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they are well-coated by the custard.
Is this an economical dessert?
Yes, it is a very budget-friendly way to reduce food waste by using up leftover or stale cake.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, ensure the baking dish is greased to prevent the pudding from sticking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using crumbs from a gluten-free cake.
What happens if I skip the water bath?
Without a water bath, the edges may cook too quickly and become rubbery while the center remains unset.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar can be used to add a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the pudding.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used, though the final texture may vary slightly.
Does chocolate cake work well in this?
Absolutely, chocolate cake crumbs create a rich, cocoa-infused custard pudding.
What size eggs should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggs, slightly beaten.
Can I add spices to the mixture?
Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
Is this similar to bread pudding?
It is very similar to bread pudding but has a richer, denser texture because of the cake base.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, though you may need to increase the baking time.
What kind of salt is best?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Is this dessert suitable for parties?
Yes, it is a fantastic and unique dessert option for any occasion or gathering.