Discover the ultimate rhubarb dessert for your summer gatherings! This homemade bread pudding combines tart rhubarb with sweet, creamy custard. It’s perfect for bakers of all levels, making it look like a pro’s work.
Rhubarb makes an ordinary bread pudding into a special treat. With a few simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll impress your loved ones. Our recipe offers a delightful mix of texture and flavor, perfect for seasonal cooking.
Prep takes just 15 minutes, and it cooks in about an hour. This dessert serves 6-8 people, great for summer picnics, family dinners, or celebrations. Learn how to make a rhubarb dessert that will be a favorite in your kitchen!
Easy Rhubarb Bread Pudding Recipe
Get ready to make a delightful simple bread pudding with rhubarb. This recipe is great for home bakers wanting to wow their family and friends. It’s a classic comfort dessert.
This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular treat. It serves 6-8 people. The magic is when tart rhubarb meets sweet, custardy bread. It creates a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.
Recipe Highlights
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8-inch square baking dish
This simple bread pudding is versatile. It’s perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. This rhubarb dessert recipe is easy to follow, making it a memorable sweet treat.
Be amazed at how you can turn stale bread and fresh rhubarb into a dessert everyone will love. The soft, custardy bread and tangy rhubarb mix creates a comforting yet exciting flavor.
Ingredients for Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Making the perfect rhubarb bread pudding begins with the right ingredients. Fresh rhubarb is the main attraction, adding a tangy sweetness. This turns a simple bread pudding into a special treat.
- 8 slices of day-old bread (crusts removed and cubed)
- 2-3 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 4-5 large eggs
- 1½ cups white sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Choosing top-quality fresh rhubarb is key for a great bread pudding. Look for firm, bright red stalks with few blemishes. The bright color means it’s ripe and full of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bread | 8 slices | Creates pudding base |
| Fresh Rhubarb | 2-3 cups | Adds tartness and texture |
| Milk | 1½ cups | Provides moisture |
| Eggs | 4-5 | Binds ingredients |
For extra flavor, try adding ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon), salt (⅛ teaspoon), and brown sugar (½ cup) on top. These can make your rhubarb bread pudding truly unforgettable.
Pro tip: If fresh rhubarb is hard to find, frozen rhubarb works too. Just make sure to drain off any extra water before using it in your recipe.
How to Make Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Making a tasty rhubarb bread pudding is simple. It combines basic ingredients for a dessert that will wow your loved ones.
First, get your ingredients and tools ready. You’ll need:
- An 8-inch square baking dish
- Cubed bread slices
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Follow these steps to make your rhubarb bread pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease your baking dish well
- Toast bread cubes until they’re lightly golden
- Heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat
- Remove milk from heat and stir in melted butter
- Pour milk mixture over bread cubes
- Let bread soak for 15 minutes
- Whisk eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl
- Fold chopped rhubarb into the egg mixture
- Pour custard over soaked bread
- Sprinkle brown sugar on top
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown
The secret to a great homemade bread pudding is letting the bread soak up the milk. This makes it creamy and soft, which is why rhubarb bread pudding is so loved.
Your rhubarb bread pudding will come out golden on top and custardy inside. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Tips for Making Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Making the perfect rhubarb bread pudding needs some special techniques. Choosing the right ingredients and preparation methods can make your dessert stand out.
Start with the bread. Use day-old brioche or challah. These breads soak up custard well without getting mushy. Fresh bread can make it too wet, so use slightly stale bread instead.
- Choose thick-cut bread slices for better texture
- Remove bread crusts for a smoother consistency
- Cut rhubarb into uniform 1/2-inch pieces
- Macerate rhubarb with sugar to reduce tartness
Temperature control is key. Let your custard mixture rest for 15-20 minutes before baking. This lets the bread soak up the liquid evenly, making it rich and custardy.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla extract. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds a beautiful touch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Rhubarb bread pudding is a great make-ahead dessert. It makes meal planning easier. It’s a smart choice for those who value saving time and reducing stress in the kitchen.
There are two main ways to prepare this dessert ahead of time:
- Full Assembly Method
- Assemble the whole pudding up to 24 hours before baking
- Cover it tightly with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate until you’re ready to bake
- Ingredient Prep Method
- Prepare the bread and custard separately
- Store them in the fridge
- Assemble and bake when it’s convenient
To get the best results, take the pudding out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking. This ensures it cooks evenly and avoids temperature shock. You might need to bake it a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.
Pro tip: Label your covered dish with the date and baking instructions. This helps you keep track of your make-ahead dessert.
Storing Leftovers
Keeping your tasty store bread pudding fresh is key. After enjoying your rhubarb bread pudding, you’ll want to keep those leftovers delicious.
Let your bread pudding cool completely before storing. This stops it from getting soggy due to condensation.
- Cool pudding to room temperature
- Use airtight containers
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
Storing your leftover rhubarb bread pudding in the fridge is essential. Use sealed containers to keep it from picking up fridge smells.
| Storage Method | Duration | Quality Preservation |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (Covered) | 3-4 Days | Excellent |
| Room Temperature | 2 Hours | Not Recommended |
Pro tip: Cut portions as needed to prevent drying out. This keeps the pudding moist and tasty for later.
When you’re ready to eat it, reheat individual portions. This brings back the bread pudding’s warmth and texture. Your stored bread pudding will stay a delightful treat for days.
Freezing Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Freezing your rhubarb bread pudding is simple. It lets you enjoy this treat long after it’s baked.
Before you freeze, make sure to:
- Cool the bread pudding completely at room temperature
- Choose the right containers or wrapping materials
- Be ready for texture changes when it freezes
Here’s how to freeze your rhubarb bread pudding:
- Wrap each portion in plastic wrap
- Cover it with aluminum foil
- Put it in airtight, freezer-safe containers
Your rhubarb dessert can stay good for three months in the freezer. To thaw, let it sit in the fridge overnight. The texture might change, but the taste will be great.
Pro tip: Mark your containers with the freezing date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored and ensures it tastes its best.
Reheating Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Reheating a warm bread pudding is simple. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover rhubarb dessert, follow these easy steps. They will bring back its delicious taste.
For individual portions, the microwave is best. Here’s how to do it right:
- Microwave method: Heat individual servings for 30-60 seconds
- Oven method: Warm larger portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out
For an extra touch, drizzle fresh cream or vanilla custard over the top before serving. It adds moisture and brings out the pudding’s rich flavors.
Each reheating method needs careful attention. This prevents the dessert from drying out or losing its soft texture. Use low to medium heat and watch closely to keep the pudding’s perfect consistency.
Remember, gentle reheating keeps the dessert’s flavors and texture just right. Whether you use the microwave or oven, a little care makes all the difference in enjoying your dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Make your rhubarb bread pudding special with tasty toppings. A scoop of premium vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious touch. It contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding, balancing the tangy rhubarb flavors.
For a wow factor, add texture and depth. Sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for a crunchy feel. Or, dust with powdered sugar for a fancy look. Fresh whipped cream or a warm custard sauce can also make it even more decadent.
Wine and coffee lovers will enjoy this dessert with a small glass of dessert wine or a strong espresso. The bread pudding’s sweet, complex flavors pair well with these drinks. Serve it with seasonal treats like strawberry shortcake or lemon tart for a complete spring dessert experience.
Your rhubarb bread pudding can be a star on its own or part of a stunning dessert table. Try different toppings and pairings to find your favorite. Impress your guests with this versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert.