National Dish Germany: Cherry Bread Pudding (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Cherry Bread Pudding, a sweet and homely classic of the German kitchen. Built from day-old bread rolls and juicy cherries, it is the kind of warm, comforting bake that turns leftovers into something rather special. With its golden, lightly caramelised top and soft, fruit-studded middle, it is perfect for a lazy afternoon with a pot of coffee or for marking a quiet celebration. Bring a taste of old-fashioned German home cooking to your own table.
About Cherry Bread Pudding
Cherry Bread Pudding is a much-loved German dessert traditionally made from stale bread rolls and cherries. It is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to use up bread that might otherwise go to waste. The combination of sweet, juicy cherries and crisp-edged bread makes it a real highlight on any coffee table. Step into the world of traditional German cooking and discover this charming, thrifty recipe that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 stale bread rolls
- 250 g pitted cherries (fresh or from a jar)
- 200 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 50 g sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- Butter, for greasing the dish
- Optional: cinnamon and sugar, for sprinkling
Shopping for the ingredients
For cherry bread pudding you need only simple ingredients that are easy to track down. The cherries can be bought fresh from the market or in a jar, whichever suits the season. Stale bread rolls are often sold off cheaply at many bakeries, or you can simply use any rolls left over from the day before. The remaining ingredients — milk, eggs and sugar — are likely already sitting in your kitchen.
Preparing the dish
Begin by cutting the bread rolls into small cubes. If you are using fresh cherries, pit them now. Make sure all your ingredients are within easy reach before you start, so the preparation runs smoothly. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease an ovenproof dish generously with butter.
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the cubed bread rolls in a large bowl.
- Heat the milk until warm but not boiling, then pour it over the bread and leave to soak briefly.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar and a pinch of salt, then add to the soaked bread.
- Fold the cherries through the mixture and combine everything well.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the surface.
- Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–40 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of cherry bread pudding, simply use gluten-free bread rolls, which are stocked by most larger supermarkets. For a lactose-free variant, swap the ordinary milk for lactose-free milk. The flavour stays every bit as good, so anyone avoiding gluten or lactose can still enjoy this comforting bake.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Cherry bread pudding is easy to make vegan. Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond or soya milk. Instead of eggs, use apple sauce or a mixture of ground flaxseed and water as a binder. With these simple swaps you can prepare a fully plant-based version of this traditional dish without losing any of its homely charm.
More tips and tricks
To give cherry bread pudding even more depth of flavour, stir a handful of almonds or walnuts into the mixture. A splash of rum or amaretto also lends the dessert a special note. A scoop of warm vanilla ice cream alongside rounds off the whole experience beautifully — much like the comforting Yeast Dumplings with Vanilla Sauce so loved across Germany.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for cherry bread pudding can easily be tweaked to suit your preferences. If cherries are not your favourite, other fruits such as apples or plums work just as well. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to match your personal taste. Try out different versions until you find the cherry bread pudding that is just right for you.
Ingredient substitutions
Feel free to use alternative ingredients whenever something is not to hand. Instead of vanilla sugar you can reach for vanilla extract. If you have no stale bread rolls, white bread or baguette make a perfectly good substitute and soak up the custard just as nicely.
Drink pairing ideas
A hot coffee or a cup of tea goes wonderfully with cherry bread pudding. A glass of milk or a mild dessert wine can round off the experience too. Experiment with different drinks to discover your own perfect pairing for this cosy German dessert.
Serving and presentation ideas
Cherry bread pudding lends itself beautifully to a little decoration. Serve the dessert in pretty individual portions, dusted with icing sugar and garnished with fresh cherries or mint leaves. These small touches not only make for an eye-catching plate but also add a special note to the moment of serving.
A bit of history
Cherry bread pudding has its roots in German farmhouse cooking. Originally, the recipe was a clever way of making good use of leftover bread rolls and stale loaves. Over time it grew into a beloved sweet dish that has become a fixture of traditional cuisine. It is especially cherished in the southern regions of Germany, where it remains a firm part of the culinary culture — sitting comfortably alongside other regional treats of German cuisine such as Bavarian Cream.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cherry Bread Pudding
Cherry bread pudding is a delicious, traditional German dessert that is simple to make and ideal for using up leftovers. With just a few ingredients and a handful of easy steps, you can enjoy this one-of-a-kind dish. Try out different variations and discover just how versatile this classic can be. Enjoy your meal!
