The Best Ricotta Vanilla Challah Bread Pudding Recipe

Indulge your passion for delectable desserts with our irresistible twist on a classic – the Best Ricotta Vanilla Challah Bread Pudding Recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this Italian dessert combines the rich flavors of traditional challah bread pudding with a luscious touch of creamy ricotta cheese. 

Imagine the heavenly blend of vanilla-infused sweetness, decadent buttery goodness, and the velvety texture of full-fat milk, all harmonized as a slow cook pudding. Crafting this indulgent treat is a breeze – just blend a few simple ingredients, pop them into your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Brace yourself for a mouthwatering experience as each bite melts in your mouth, leaving your taste buds craving more. Elevate your dessert game with this perfect dessert!

In this post, I’ve joined up with several ladies to share our Celebrating Winter posts and inspiration! A big thank you to Carol at Blue Sky at Home for hosting this blog hop. If you are coming over from Carol’s blog, isn’t her winter mantel decorating beautiful?

If you are new here, welcome to Hen and Horse Design. It’s so nice to have you join me here at ‘The Roost’!

Indulge in Delight: Crafting a Perfect Ricotta Bread Pudding

What Sets Challah Bread Apart?

Challah bread stands out as a unique and distinctive type of bread deeply rooted in Jewish culture. The secret to its special taste lies in a delightful blend of ingredients, including honey, egg yolks, oil, and a touch of sugar, contributing to its subtly sweet flavor profile.

This exceptional flavor makes challah bread a standout choice for specific culinary creations, such as the mouthwatering challah bread pudding. Whether used in classic French toast or transformed into a tantalizing French toast bake, challah bread introduces a comforting yet extraordinary element to these recipes.

Beyond its role in sweet treats, challah bread plays a versatile part in savory dishes like sandwiches or grilled cheese. Thanks to its distinct flavors and textures, challah bread effortlessly elevates any dish it graces, promising a delicious and special touch to your culinary adventures!

Is Challah Bread Sweet or Savory?

Challah bread is an interesting type of bread as it can be both a sweet bread and savory depending on its preparation. If the challah is prepared traditionally as a braided loaf, it is usually served as a savory side item. 

Alternatively, challah bread can also be used in recipes such as challah bread pudding, where it makes a delicious savory bread pudding.  Whatever style of challah you eat, one thing is for certain—its fluffy texture and slightly sweet taste make it an ideal complement to just about any meal.

Do You put eggs in ricotta pudding?

Bread pudding has been a long-standing comfort food for many cultures. But one particular recipe featuring challah bread takes it to another level. 

I’m talking about challah bread pudding with eggs – yes, you heard me right! Not only does the challah’s texture and flavor make this pudding delicious, but adding eggs also makes it even better. They bind everything together and create a richness that can’t be beaten.

Discover the Magic: A Step-by-Step Ricotta Bread Pudding Recipe Worth Savoring

Ingredients you’ll need to make Challah Bread Pudding

• 2 TBSP Room Temperature Butter
• 6 Slices Challah Bread
• 1/2 Cup Golden or Regular Raisins
• 1 Cup Milk
• 1 Container 15 oz. Ricotta Cheese
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1 Cup Sour Cream
• 1 tsp Grated Lemon Zest
• 2 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Easy Instructions

Prepping the baking dish

• The first step: use one tablespoon of melted butter to coat a 1 1/’2 quart souffle or ovenproof dish
• In a medium bowl, add raisins and bread cubes
• Pour Milk over the top, stir, and set aside.

Mixing Ingredients

• Together mix, ricotta, sugar, large eggs, sour cream, lemon zest, and a teaspoon vanilla extract in the cooking bowl/souffle bowl.
• Pour the ricotta mixture over the bread mixing lightly
• Drizzle the second tablespoon butter over the bread and sprinkle with cinnamon
• Cover dish with aluminum foil
• Place souffle bowl inside slow cooker bowl.
• Fill the slow cooker with boiling water to reach 1 inch of the side of the cooker.

Slow Cooker Instructions

• Cover top of slow cooker with a dish towel, then add the lid.
• Cook for 2 1/2 hours on high
• Check when done by inserting an instant-read thermometer until internal temperature registers at 140 degrees.
• Cool for at least 20 minutes

Tips

• Brown sugar may be used.
• Make sure your challah cubes are completely dried before baking, and butter your baking dish properly so that the bread doesn’t become too moist during baking.
• If wet or runny, reduce the custard/ricotta sauce amount.
• Bake challah pudding until a golden brown crust appears on the top.

 FAQ

Can I use a different type of bread for the ricotta bread pudding recipe?

Absolutely! While challah bread is commonly used for its rich texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with other bread varieties. Brioche, French bread, or even a rustic Italian loaf can all bring unique twists to your ricotta bread pudding. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale for better absorption of the delicious custard mixture.

Can I substitute ingredients in the ricotta bread pudding recipe to make it healthier?

​Yes, you can make some adjustments to cater to dietary preferences. Consider using low-fat or skim milk instead of full-fat milk and opting for a sugar substitute if you’re looking to reduce sugar content. Additionally, whole wheat or multigrain bread can be used for a heartier version. Keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the final taste and texture, so it’s a good idea to experiment based on your preferences.

Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for the ricotta bread pudding, or can I bake it in the oven?

​While the slow cooker method adds a unique and convenient touch to the ricotta bread pudding recipe, you can definitely bake it in the oven as well. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature in the recipe and use a baking dish. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time accordingly. The slow cooker tends to infuse a moist and tender texture, so if you opt for the oven, consider checking for doneness with a toothpick or knife to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.

In conclusion

Who would’ve thought that whipping up something so simple could result in such a tasty treat? This awesome recipe is like a flavor explosion – the perfect mix of sweet and savory that’s bound to be a hit at your next dinner shindig.

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s not just good but downright unique and scrumptious, you’ve gotta give this ricotta bread pudding a shot. And get this – the real magic happens in the slow cooker after just 10 minutes of prep! Feeling a bit adventurous? Mix it up with different bread types and flavor combos – the possibilities are endless.

Drop me a line and spill the beans if you decide to whip up this ricotta, vanilla, and challah bread pudding. I’m all ears for your kitchen adventures, especially when it involves turning leftover bread into something as awesome as this. It’s a go-to recipe in my book, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit in yours too!

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Up next is Mary Jo from Masterpieces of My Life. Mary Joe shares how to brighten your home during the winter months. I know living in upstate NY this is a must!

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