There’s a comforting magic that fills the kitchen when the first cool breeze of autumn wafts in, stirring memories of cherished family gatherings. That’s exactly when I stumbled upon the idea for my Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding—a dish that truly celebrates the season. Imagine the aroma of sautéed apples mingling with warm spices, enveloping chunks of day-old sourdough bread that soak up a rich, custardy filling. It’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert, beautifully balancing savory and sweet in every bite.
Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights at home, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also a fantastic make-ahead option. Picture this: You can assemble it in the morning and then enjoy the warm, golden bliss later, perhaps garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. Each forkful is a moment of gratitude, a reminder that homemade comfort food can be just as satisfying as any indulgence from a restaurant. Let’s dive into this whimsical recipe that’s sure to win over friends and family alike!
Why will you love Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding?
Comforting Delight: This recipe blends the tang of sourdough with sweet apples, creating a dish that warms both heart and home.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for busy schedules, assemble it the night before and enjoy freshly baked comfort without the hassle.
Savory-Sweet Harmony: The addition of miso gives a unique umami depth that elevates traditional bread pudding into a whole new culinary experience.
Unique Flavor Profile: Infused with aromatic spices, each bite bursts with flavor that’s both familiar and adventurous.
Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Ideal for gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress guests, making it a perfect centerpiece for your next celebration.
Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- Sourdough Bread – Use day-old sourdough for the best structure and tang.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; feel free to substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Granny Smith Apples – Tartness balances the sweetness perfectly; any tart apple variety works well!
- Granulated Sugar – The base sweetness; replace with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic choice.
- Light Brown Sugar – Contributes caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can enhance deeper notes.
- Miso – This adds umami and complexity; choose white miso for its milder flavor.
- Five Spice Powder – Infuses warmth and an exotic depth.
- Ground Cinnamon – A familiar spice that enhances flavor dramatically.
- Apple Cider or Juice – Imparts moisture and a pronounced apple kick; fresh is best!
- Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- Large Eggs – Binds the mixture, creating a lovely custard texture.
- Whole Milk & Heavy Cream – Forms a rich custard base; swap for almond milk and coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness; can be omitted but elevates the flavor!
- Kosher Salt – Helps to balance all flavors perfectly.
For Serving
- Powdered Sugar – For a delicate dusting before serving; this is optional.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Crème Fraiche – Adds a creamy finish that complements the warm pudding beautifully.
Dig into this delightful Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding and embrace the cozy flavors it brings to your table!
How to Make Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, spread the sourdough cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan and toast them for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. This step will enhance the bread’s texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Reserve half for later use! Add the diced Granny Smith apples, along with ¼ cup of both granulated and brown sugars, miso, five spice powder, and cinnamon. Sauté these ingredients for about 10-15 minutes until the apples soften and become fragrant.
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Stir in the apple cider and lemon juice, and let it simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly. The goal here is to concentrate the flavors and create a lovely mixture perfect for your pudding.
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Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, remaining sugars, kosher salt, and vanilla in a large bowl until everything is well combined. This velvety custard will bring everything together beautifully!
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Fold the toasted bread and the sautéed apple mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring all the bread cubes are well-coated. This is what makes the pudding creamy and delightful!
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Grease an 8×11 baking dish with the reserved butter. Pour your bread pudding mixture into the dish and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to soak up the custard evenly.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for the custard to be set and the top to turn a lovely golden brown—cover with foil if it browns too quickly. This ensures a beautiful finish without burning.
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Cool the pudding for about 10 minutes once out of the oven. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for that extra touch of comfort.
Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delectable Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance by prepping your bread, sautéing the apples, and mixing them with the custard. Simply refrigerate the mixture in a covered baking dish. When you’re ready to bake, let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven. This resting time helps the bread soak up the custard even more for a rich texture. To maintain quality, ensure the bread is thoroughly toasted to prevent sogginess. Enjoy the perks of a homemade dessert without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding
- Thoroughly Toast Bread: This prevents sogginess and helps achieve a lovely texture. Day-old sourdough is best for absorbing the custard.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the bread pudding sit for at least 10 minutes after baking to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Taste Test Adjustments: Adjust sugar based on the tartness of your apples before baking. A perfect balance will enhance the overall flavor of your pudding.
- Check Custard Doneness: Use a knife to test if it’s set; the blade should come out clean from the center, indicating your Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding is ready!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to substitute pears for apples or add nuts for a delightful crunch and added depth to this comforting dessert.
Storage Tips for Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding the night before and refrigerate; simply bake it fresh for a cozy dessert!
Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe with exciting twists that will elevate your dessert experience.
- Pear Swap: Substitute pears for apples for a richer, sweeter flavor that pairs beautifully with miso.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts the softness of the pudding.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that complements the sweet notes.
- Holiday Twist: Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a festive flair that warms the soul.
- Vegan Delight: Replace eggs and dairy with flaxy milk, almond milk, and a mixture of silken tofu and cornstarch for a vegan-friendly version.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Stir in dark chocolate chips into the mixture for a decadent chocolatey twist, making this pudding utterly irresistible.
- Citrus Zing: Infuse the custard with orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing lift to each bite.
- Dried Fruits: Fold in dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of chewy sweetness that add interesting textures to the pudding.
What to Serve with Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding?
Indulging in a warm slice of bread pudding is a sensory experience that deserves a worthy accomplice to elevate your meal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing; its creamy texture perfectly balances the warm, custardy bread pudding, creating a blissful contrast in every bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this sweet sauce adds a rich, decadent layer of flavor that complements the apples and miso beautifully, turning each slice into a luxurious treat.
- Crème Fraiche: A dollop of this tangy cream brings a delightful freshness and acid that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
- Steamy Chai Tea: This spiced tea’s warmth and fragrant herbal notes pair wonderfully with the warm spices in the pudding, offering a cozy sip to round off your meal.
- Roasted Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, introducing texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft pudding.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light side of vibrant, tangy fruits like berries or citrus will provide a bright counterpoint to the rich, comforting flavors of the dessert, refreshing the palate.
- Mulled Wine: The aromatic spices in mulled wine resonate with the warm spices in the pudding, creating a fabulous synergy that warms the heart on chilly evenings.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Think of this as a nostalgic, textural side that nods to comfort food, delivering a crunchy sweetness that echoes the bread pudding’s own warm flavors.
- Ginger Ale: This fizzy drink adds a delightful zest and effervescence, cutting through the richness and making every bite feel a little lighter, perfect for a festive gathering.
Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of sourdough bread is best for this recipe?
For optimal texture and flavor, I recommend using day-old sourdough. The aging process allows the bread to absorb the custard without getting overly soggy, which is key for achieving that delightful balance in your Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding.
How should I store leftovers from the bread pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it moist, cover it well. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, helping the pudding regain its lovely texture.
Can I freeze Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, ensuring no air escapes. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
What if my bread pudding comes out too soggy?
If your bread pudding is too soggy, it may be due to the bread not being thoroughly toasted before mixing or too much custard. To prevent this in future attempts, ensure the sourdough cubes are toasted until lightly golden, and consider reducing the milk or cream slightly based on the bread’s absorbency.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Great question! If you’re making this for guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this dessert dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk with coconut cream instead of whole milk and heavy cream. For allergies, be mindful of the miso which may contain soy. Always check labels if needed.
Can I prepare the pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding the night before. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—this make-ahead option makes it super convenient for those festive gatherings!
Sourdough Apple Miso Bread Pudding for Cozy Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sourdough cubes in a single layer on a sheet pan and toast for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Reserve half for later use. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, miso, five spice powder, and cinnamon. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes until the apples soften.
- Stir in the apple cider and lemon juice, and let it simmer for about a minute.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, remaining sugars, kosher salt, and vanilla in a large bowl until combined.
- Fold the toasted bread and sautéed apple mixture into the egg mixture until well-coated.
- Grease an 8x11 baking dish with the reserved butter. Pour in the mixture and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.