To make Jamaican bread pudding in five simple steps, start by cubing 6 cups of stale white bread and soaking it in a mixture of 4 whisked eggs and 2 cups evaporated milk. Add 1 cup brown sugar plus spices like nutmeg, and optional raisins or rum. Grease a baking dish, pour in your batter, then bake at 350°F for about an hour until golden and set. Serve warm with rum sauce or ice cream for extra delight. Keep going to discover more tips and serving ideas.
Ingredients and Quantity
To make authentic Jamaican bread pudding, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Choosing the right bread types is key—stale white bread or even spiced bread can add depth. You’ll find pudding variations that include raisins, nutmeg, or rum, offering a taste of freedom in every bite. Here’s a quick look at essential ingredients and their quantities to get you started:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stale white bread | 6 cups, cubed |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Evaporated milk | 2 cups |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
With these, you’re free to explore the rich, soulful flavors unique to Jamaican bread pudding.
Preparations
Before you plunge into mixing ingredients, make sure your bread cubes are properly prepared—they should be slightly dried out to soak up the rich custard without turning mushy. You can achieve this by leaving the bread out overnight or lightly toasting it. When it comes to preparation techniques, don’t hesitate to adapt: swap raisins for dried cranberries or use coconut milk instead of regular milk to embrace your freedom with flavors. Whisk your eggs and spices thoroughly to infuse every bite with warmth. Pre-measuring spices and liquids streamlines your process, letting you focus on creativity. These simple yet effective preparation techniques set the stage for a luscious Jamaican bread pudding, ensuring each ingredient shines while giving you room to personalize through smart ingredient substitutions.
How to Cook
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish to prepare for the custard-soaked bread.
- Transfer the combined ingredients into the greased baking dish.
- Bake the pudding for about 60 minutes, or until the top turns a rich amber color.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean.
- Use a water bath during baking for even cooking.
- Avoid overmixing the custard mixture to maintain perfect texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking progress to prevent overcooking.
- Let the pudding set after baking before serving.
- Experiment with ingredient substitutions, such as coconut milk for cream or whole wheat bread for added texture.
- Trust your senses—look for the rich color and pleasant aroma to know when it’s done.
- Savor every step of the process and enjoy your golden, fragrant delight.
How to Serve
With your Jamaican bread pudding perfectly baked and set, the next step is deciding how you’ll serve this warm, comforting dessert. For serving suggestions, consider slicing it into generous wedges, allowing the rich custard to shine. A drizzle of rum sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate each bite, adding a luscious contrast. Presentation ideas include plating with fresh tropical fruits like sliced mango or pineapple, which bring vibrant color and a rejuvenating balance. You might also dust the top with powdered cinnamon for a subtle spice and aroma. Whether you serve it family-style in a large dish or individually on pretty plates, keep the atmosphere relaxed and inviting—after all, this dessert is about indulging freely and sharing joy.
Tips
Although Jamaican bread pudding is straightforward to make, a few key tips can help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time. Mastering simple baking techniques and embracing smart ingredient substitutions will set you free to experiment and enjoy your creation fully. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use day-old bread for better absorption and richer texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding preserves airiness.
- Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to deepen the flavor profile.
- Bake in a water bath to prevent cracking and guarantee even cooking.
Food Value and Benefit
Jamaican bread pudding is a delicious dessert made from staple ingredients such as eggs, milk, spices, and bread. This combination provides a variety of nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Food Value of Jamaican Bread Pudding:
- Rich in protein from eggs, which supports muscle repair and growth.
- High in calcium from milk, essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Contains antioxidants from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which help combat inflammation.
- Provides carbohydrates from bread, offering a good source of energy.
- Supplies essential vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Benefits of Eating Jamaican Bread Pudding:
- Supports bone health due to its high calcium and phosphorus content.
- Aids muscle recovery and maintenance through quality protein.
- Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
- Provides sustained energy from a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Contributes to overall nutrient intake with vitamins A, D, and B12, important for vision, immune function, and red blood cell production.
Enjoying Jamaican bread pudding is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a way to nourish your body with essential nutrients that promote health and vitality.
