Recipe

Mákos Guba with a Twist

Decadent Poppy Seed Bread Pudding

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Hungarian cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic Mákos Guba. This traditional dessert combines layers of sweet bread soaked in vanilla-infused milk, topped with a generous sprinkling of ground poppy seeds.

Dessert› Mákos guba

European cuisine› Alpine cuisine› Hungarian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Total time

50-55 minutes

Yields

6 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free (if using lactose-free milk)

Allergens

Wheat (if using bread with gluten), Dairy (if using regular milk)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Low-carb

Ingredients

8 slices of brioche or challah bread 8 slices of brioche or challah bread
500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
4 eggs 4 eggs
100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
100g (3/4 cup) ground poppy seeds 100g (3/4 cup) ground poppy seeds
Honey, for drizzling Honey, for drizzling
Crushed pistachios, for garnish Crushed pistachios, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 25g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
Cut the bread slices into triangles or squares, removing the crust if desired.
3.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
4.
Dip each bread slice into the milk mixture, ensuring they are well soaked.
5.
Layer the soaked bread slices in a baking dish, sprinkling each layer with a generous amount of ground poppy seeds.
6.
Repeat the layers until all the bread and poppy seeds are used, finishing with a layer of poppy seeds on top.
7.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
8.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
9.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with crushed pistachios before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Brioche or challah bread — Using these breads will result in a richer and more indulgent texture. If unavailable, you can use any other soft bread of your choice.
Ground poppy seeds — To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the poppy seeds in a dry pan before grinding them.

Tips & Tricks

For a more pronounced citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the milk mixture.
Serve the Mákos Guba warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
Experiment with different types of bread and see which one you prefer. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Mákos Guba warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a delightful dessert after a hearty Hungarian meal or as a sweet treat on its own.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle the Mákos Guba with honey and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. This adds a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.