Holiday Bread Pudding
Festive and flavorful, this holiday bread pudding combines bread, dried fruits, pineapple, cherries, and coconut in a rich, sweet custard, perfect for cozy gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, break bread into small pieces. Add raisins, milk, pineapple, red cherries, green cherries, and coconut. Mix well.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the margarine and sugar.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and yellow food coloring to the creamed mixture. Mix well.
- Combine the margarine mixture with the bread mixture and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Pour the combined mixture into a 3-quart baking pan.
- Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until set and golden on top.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using challah or brioche instead of regular loaf bread. If you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar by half or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free margarine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bread pudding warm with a drizzle of vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Honey Wheat Carrot Cake for a festive dessert spread or can be enjoyed as a cozy breakfast treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Bread Pudding contains roughly 992 calories, with 7g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% 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 use different fruits in this bread pudding?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite dried or fresh fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even apples. Just ensure any fresh fruits are chopped into small pieces to mix well with the bread pudding. Experimenting with different fruits can create a unique flavor profile each time.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance. Simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking at 350°F.
What can I serve with holiday bread pudding?
This bread pudding can be served as a delightful dessert or as a brunch dish. It goes well with whipped cream, a caramel sauce, or even a warm fruit compote. For a festive touch, pair it with a glass of spiced cider or eggnog during the holiday season.
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).