Four Square Pudding
A comforting bread pudding with raisins and nutmeg, topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for cozy family desserts or special gatherings demanding warmth and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove crusts from bread slices and spread with butter.
- Cut bread into squares and arrange in layers in a greased 8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle each layer with raisins and bran.
- Beat egg yolks until smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar, nutmeg, milk, and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread layers.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes.
- In the meantime, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the remaining sugar to make a meringue.
- Spread the meringue over the baked pudding and return to the oven.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of regular bread. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different twist. If you're short on time, pre-packaged meringue powder can be used to simplify the meringue step. Ensure the egg whites are free from yolk for the best meringue consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Four Square Pudding warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a side of Cool-As-A-Cucumber Salad(In Honor Of Judge Nat U. Hill) for a refreshing contrast. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Four Square Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Square Pudding contains roughly 548 calories, with 9g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (145% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding up to the baking stage and store it covered in the refrigerator for one day. Bake it just before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you’re making the meringue ahead, keep it in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
For a vegan adaptation, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Additionally, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk.
Is there a way to make this pudding gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Four Square Pudding gluten-free, use gluten-free bread. Ensure that all other ingredients, like sugar and vanilla, are certified gluten-free. The texture and flavor will still be delicious, allowing everyone to enjoy this classic dessert.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).