Jackson Bread Pudding
A warm, comforting bread pudding infused with vanilla, cranberries, raisins, and walnuts, topped with a sweet cranberry sauce—perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix bread, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain cranberries, reserving the liquid to make the sauce.
- Add cranberries, raisins, and walnuts to the bread mixture.
- Pour into a well-greased 2-quart mold and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch to the reserved liquid and cook until thickened.
- Spoon the sauce over the pudding when serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using challah or brioche instead of firm white bread. You can substitute half of the sugar with maple syrup for a more complex sweetness. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use frozen ones but do not thaw them before adding to the mixture. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, drizzled with the thickened cranberry sauce for a burst of tartness. Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent touch. This Jackson Bread Pudding is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed alongside dishes like Lois' Pound Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm in an oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jackson Bread Pudding contains roughly 1232 calories, with 11g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread mixture and cranberry sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even tastier pudding.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them entirely. Alternatively, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can add a nice crunch without the nutty flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of the pudding?
Consider adding a pinch of salt to the bread mixture to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with adding orange zest to the cranberry sauce for a citrusy twist that complements the cranberries beautifully.
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).