Slovak Apple Bread Pudding

Ingredients

• 8 cups (200g) stale bread, cubed 8 cups (200g) stale bread, cubed
• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) milk 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 53g, 28g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. 3.
   Place a layer of bread cubes in the greased baking dish, followed by a layer of sliced apples. Repeat the layers until all the bread and apples are used, ending with a layer of bread on top.
4. 4.
   Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread and apples, ensuring that all the bread is soaked.
5. 5.
   Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. 8.
   Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bread — It is best to use stale bread for this recipe as it absorbs the custard mixture better. If you don't have stale bread, you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven before using.
• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balanced flavor. Slice them thinly to ensure even distribution throughout the pudding.

Tips & Tricks

• For added richness, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
• Serve the pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Feel free to add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the layers for added texture and flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious dessert.

Serving advice

Slovak Apple Bread Pudding is best served warm. Cut it into generous squares and place them on individual dessert plates. Dust with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the warm pudding. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the pudding in a zigzag pattern. This adds a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of sweetness.