Description: This Irish-inspired dessert gives a modern twist to traditional bread pudding by using soda bread as the base. Combined with tart rhubarb and warming ginger, it creates a comforting pudding with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 6–8
Ingredients
- 300g (10 oz) soda bread, cut into cubes
- 250g (9 oz) rhubarb, chopped
- 75g (⅓ cup) sugar (plus 1 tbsp extra)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 400ml (1 ⅔ cups) whole milk
- 150ml (⅔ cup) double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- Butter, for greasing
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Rhubarb
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss rhubarb with 1 tbsp sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2 – Arrange the Bread
Grease a medium baking dish. Place half of the soda bread cubes at the bottom, followed by half of the rhubarb mixture. Repeat with the remaining bread and rhubarb.
Step 3 – Make the Custard
In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla until smooth. Pour evenly over the bread and rhubarb. Press down lightly to help the bread soak up the custard.
Step 4 – Bake
Sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger over the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 5 – Serve
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with cream or custard.
Serving Suggestion
This pudding pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey or an extra spoon of cream for a truly indulgent Irish dessert.
