Rustic Apple Bread Pudding with Lingonberry Swirl
Indulge in a comforting twist on traditional bread pudding with this Rustic Apple Bread Pudding. The pudding combines the rich texture of toasted bread crumbs with a delightful layer of homemade applesauce, made from sweet, tender McIntosh or Rome apples. The touch of lingonberry or raspberry preserves adds a tart sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, spiced flavors of the pudding. Served warm and optionally topped with luscious whipped cream, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Impress your guests with this delightful and easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of home-baked goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (Melted)
apple juice
2 tablespoons (None)
French or Italian bread
12 slices (about 2 1/2 cups) (Ground fine in a food processor)
lingonberry or raspberry preserves
1 cup (None)
whipped cream
1 cup (optional) (None)
cooking spray
None (For coating the dish)
McIntosh or Rome apples
3 lbs (about 8 large) (Peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
water
2/3 cup (None)
sugar
1/3 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
To prepare the applesauce, peel and core the apples, cutting them into 1-inch chunks. In a large saucepan, combine the apples, water, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and starting to break down, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. This applesauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
3
In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over moderate heat. Once the butter is melted, stir in the apple juice, then add the ground bread crumbs. Continuously stir the mixture for about 5 minutes, until the bread crumbs are well-toasted and golden brown.
4
Lightly coat a 1.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Begin layering by placing 1 cup of the toasted bread crumbs at the bottom. Follow with 2 cups of the prepared applesauce, then layer 1/2 cup of either lingonberry or raspberry preserves. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with the remaining 1/2 cup of bread crumbs on top.
5
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
6
Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and extra preserves if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Apple Bread Pudding with Lingonberry Swirl?
It is a comforting dessert that features toasted French or Italian bread crumbs layered with homemade applesauce and a tart swirl of lingonberry or raspberry preserves.
Which apple varieties are best for this recipe?
McIntosh or Rome apples are recommended because they are sweet and become tender enough to break down into a delicious sauce.
Can I substitute the lingonberry preserves?
Yes, raspberry preserves can be used as a direct substitute for lingonberry preserves.
How do I prepare the apples for the sauce?
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into 1-inch chunks before cooking them in a saucepan.
How long does the applesauce need to cook?
The apples should simmer for about 25 minutes until they are soft and beginning to break down.
Can I make the applesauce ahead of time?
Yes, the applesauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C) for baking the pudding.
What kind of bread is used for the crumbs?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of French or Italian bread, which should yield about 2.5 cups of fine crumbs.
How should I grind the bread?
You can use a food processor to grind the bread slices into fine crumbs.
How do I toast the bread crumbs?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet, stir in apple juice, add the crumbs, and stir for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
Why is apple juice added to the crumbs?
The apple juice is stirred into the melted butter to add flavor and moisture to the bread crumbs while they toast.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 1.5-quart casserole dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the casserole dish should be lightly coated with cooking spray before layering the ingredients.
How many layers are in the bread pudding?
The pudding is layered starting with 1 cup of crumbs, followed by 2 cups of applesauce and 1/2 cup of preserves, repeating until the ingredients are used.
What is the final layer of the pudding?
The pudding should be finished with the remaining 1/2 cup of toasted bread crumbs on top.
How long does the pudding bake?
The assembled bread pudding should bake for 25 minutes.
How do I know when the pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when the top layer of crumbs is golden brown and crisp.
Should the bread pudding be served hot or cold?
This dessert is best served warm.
What are the suggested garnishes for serving?
It is recommended to serve the pudding with a dollop of whipped cream and extra preserves.
How many apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need approximately 3 lbs of apples, which is about 8 large apples.
What ingredients are in the applesauce mixture?
The homemade applesauce consists of McIntosh or Rome apples, 2/3 cup of water, and 1/3 cup of sugar.
Is salted or unsalted butter used?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
How much sugar is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar, which is added to the apples while making the sauce.
Can I use store-bought bread crumbs?
While the recipe suggests grinding fresh French or Italian bread for the best texture, you can use store-bought crumbs if they are fine and unseasoned.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its rustic appearance and comforting flavors make it an ideal dessert for gatherings or cozy nights.
How much water is used in the applesauce?
You will need 2/3 cup of water to cook the apples.
What if I don't have a food processor?
If you don't have a food processor, you can finely grate the bread or use a blender to create the crumbs.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, this bread pudding recipe contains no meat and is suitable for vegetarians.
What makes this bread pudding 'rustic'?
The rustic quality comes from the use of hand-cut apple chunks and the simple, layered assembly of toasted crumbs and preserves.
Can I use McIntosh apples for this recipe?
Yes, McIntosh apples are one of the two varieties specifically recommended for this dessert.