Heavenly Plum and Challah Bread Pudding
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this Heavenly Plum and Challah Bread Pudding. Inspired by a cherished recipe from The Jewish Exponent, this delightful dish combines the rich, custardy texture of baked challah with the juicy sweetness of Italian plums. Whether you use fresh seasonal plums or well-drained canned versions, every bite promises a burst of flavor. To add an extra twist, this version is made with non-dairy soy milk, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this bread pudding is a comforting hug in dessert form.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the casserole dish)
Challah bread
8 cups (dry, crusts removed and cut into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes (about 8 thick slices))
Plums
6 (pitted and quartered)
Raisins
1/2 cup (optional, if desired)
Milk
1 quart (can use soy milk for a non-dairy option)
Eggs
5 (beaten)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
Sugar
1/2 cup (to sweeten the pudding)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (for added warmth and flavor)
Damson plum jelly
3-4 tablespoons (can substitute other fruit jelly if preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Prepare a 4-quart ovenproof casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In the casserole dish, evenly layer the dry challah bread cubes, quartered plums, and optional raisins.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
5
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and fruit, ensuring all pieces are well soaked.
6
Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula, taking care not to break up the bread too much.
7
Use a spoon to swirl the damson plum jelly through the mixture, creating pockets of sweetness.
8
Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the pudding is firm and the top is golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy this comforting dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
41g
Carbs
10g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
18.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Plum and Challah Bread Pudding?
It is a comfort dessert inspired by a recipe from The Jewish Exponent that combines cubed challah bread with juicy Italian plums in a sweet custard.
What type of bread is used for this pudding?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of dry challah bread, with crusts removed and cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes.
How many plums are needed for this recipe?
You will need 6 plums, which should be pitted and quartered before adding to the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the quart of milk with soy milk to make a non-dairy version of this dessert.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the bread pudding need to bake?
The pudding should bake uncovered for approximately 45 minutes until it is firm and the top is golden brown.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 4-quart ovenproof casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How many eggs are used in the custard mixture?
The recipe uses 5 beaten eggs to create the custardy texture.
What type of jelly is recommended for swirling?
Damson plum jelly is recommended, though you can substitute other fruit jellies if preferred.
Are raisins included in this bread pudding?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of raisins as an optional ingredient if you desire extra texture and sweetness.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving in this dish.
How much fat is in this dessert?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 41 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
Each serving contains 18.75 grams of sugar.
Does this recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is added to the custard for warmth and flavor.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Should I use fresh or canned plums?
You can use either fresh seasonal plums or well-drained canned plums.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the dish?
Prepare the casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
What is the fiber content of this pudding?
There are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How should I serve this bread pudding?
It is best served warm, and can be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How do I incorporate the jelly into the pudding?
Use a spoon to swirl the jelly through the bread and fruit mixture to create pockets of sweetness.
How much sugar is added to the custard?
1/2 cup of sugar is whisked into the milk and egg mixture.
Do I need to remove the crusts from the challah?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the crusts should be removed before cubing the bread.
Can I use different types of plums?
The recipe specifically mentions Italian plums or Damson plums, but other varieties can be used.
Should the custard be mixed before pouring?
Yes, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl until well combined before pouring over the bread.
Is this a traditional Jewish recipe?
It is inspired by a cherished recipe from The Jewish Exponent and features traditional challah bread.
How many cups of bread cubes are required?
You need 8 cups of bread cubes, which is roughly 8 thick slices of challah.
What is the texture of the bread pudding?
It has a rich, custardy texture contrasted with juicy fruit and soft bread.
How do I mix the ingredients in the dish?
Gently mix the ingredients with a spatula to ensure the bread is soaked without breaking it up too much.