Queen of Puddings

Queen of Puddings: A Regal Treat for Your Taste Buds

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic dessert that transcends generations, and Queen of Puddings is just that. This traditional British pudding combines layers of soft bread, fruity jam, and a cloud-like meringue topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine pulling a golden-brown dish from the oven, the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, coaxing everyone to gather around the table. Each forkful offers a nostalgic blend of creamy custard and crispy meringue, delighting the senses and evoking memories of cozy gatherings with family.

When to Indulge in Queen of Puddings

Perfect for cozy mornings where you want to start the day on a sweet note, or as a graceful centerpiece at family gatherings, Queen of Puddings is versatile enough to make any occasion feel special. It’s an ideal dessert to impress guests yet simple enough for an everyday treat, making it a beloved recipe for those who cherish both comfort and elegance in their meals.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
  (Nutrition data sourced from the USDA FoodData Central)

Why Make This Recipe

Queen of Puddings doesn’t only taste divine; it also tantalizes the nose with its fragrant lemon and raspberry notes. It’s an easy recipe, making use of pantry staples, yet it presents beautifully when served. Whether enjoyed during a leisurely brunch or as a comforting dessert after dinner, this timeless classic brings joy to any table setting.

How to Make Queen of Puddings

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup additional sugar for topping

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Instead of raspberry jam, feel free to use any other fruit preserves, such as strawberry or apricot.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Tear the bread into pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add 1/2 cup sugar. Stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then mix in the melted butter mixture, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine the soaked bread mixture with the egg mixture and pour it into the greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Once baked, spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the top.
8. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
9. Carefully fold in the breadcrumbs, and spoon the meringue over the jam layer.
10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meringue is golden and crisp.

Baking Tips:

• Avoid overmixing when combining the egg and bread mixtures to maintain the pudding’s fluffy texture.
• To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

How to Serve

Queen of Puddings is best served warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It pairs beautifully with a nice cup of tea or coffee. Consider offering a side of cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, Queen of Puddings can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Reheat gently in the oven for a delightful revival.

Expert Tips

To achieve the best results, opt for bread that is slightly stale, as it will soak up the milk better and not become too mushy. Traditional white bread works excellently, but feel free to experiment with brioche or whole grain for varied flavors and textures.

Delicious Variations

• Vegan Version: Replace eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water, and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
• Cinnamon Swirl: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the bread and milk mixture for a special twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread as a substitution to ensure this classic dessert can be enjoyed by all.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen bread?
   Yes! Just let your frozen bread thaw properly before using it in the recipe.

2. Is there a way to reduce the sugar?
   You can try using less sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia, but be mindful that it may change the texture.

3. How can I tell if the pudding is done?
   The pudding is done when it is set in the center and golden on top—use a skewer or knife to check for doneness.

4. What if I have leftover meringue?
   Leftover meringue can be piped onto parchment paper and baked into meringue cookies.

5. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the pudding mixture a day in advance, and simply bake the day you wish to serve it.

Conclusion

Queen of Puddings is a delightful dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, making it a perfect treat for various occasions. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore tempting variations, this dessert is bound to become a cherished recipe in your home. We encourage you to try it out and share your experiences or personal twists on this timeless dish!

Happy baking and enjoy the royal taste!

Queen of Puddings

---

• Author: recipechangegmail-com
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A traditional British pudding featuring layers of soft bread, fruity jam, and a cloud-like meringue topping.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup additional sugar for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Tear the bread into pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat and add 1/2 cup sugar. Stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, then mix in the melted butter mixture, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Combine the soaked bread mixture with the egg mixture and pour it into the greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top.
7. Once baked, spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the top.
8. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
9. Carefully fold in the breadcrumbs, and spoon the meringue over the jam layer.
10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meringue is golden and crisp.

Notes

Queen of Puddings is best served warm and pairs beautifully with tea or coffee. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg