Make Ahead

Summer Berry Pudding

June  3, 2014
4
4 Ratings
  • Serves 8
Author Notes

Before my husband and I were married, one of our first dates was a canoe trip. We had planned to have a picnic on one of the giant/flat rocks that sat in the middle of the river - it would be the first time I would cook for my then boyfriend…so I wanted to impress. I packed a bottle of wine, made a pesto and caprese panini, spiced-nuts trail mix, and for dessert I made Summer Berry Pudding. The dessert was super simple to make, packed up easily into the dry-bag of the canoe, and it definitely impressed. He asked me out on another date and a year later we were married - I'd like to think the picnic had something to do it.

Tip: This recipe also works well when made in individual plastic storage containers, making it easily portable for a picnic…or canoe trip. —Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom

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Ingredients
  • 4 cups any combination of mixed berries (I used strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar
  • 1/2 loaf challah bread
  • whipped cream, optional
Directions
  1. Hull and slice the strawberries. Add all mixed berries to a large saucepan, reserving a few of the berries for garnish. Add the sugar, ground cardamon, and water. Simmer over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Slice the bread into 1/2 inch slices.
  3. Line a 9.5 inch circular pan with plastic wrap. Ladle some of the berry mixture to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/2 a cup. Add a layer of sliced bread, tearing to fit as needed. Sprinkle the top with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar. Ladle approximately half of the berry mixture overtop and then repeat the layering process one more time: sliced bread, cinnamon sugar, and the remainder of berry sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  4. When ready to serve remove the plastic from the top and invert the pan onto a plate. Gently lift the pan and remove the plastic. Serve with whipped cream and extra berries, if desired.

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2 Reviews

Flirty F. June 19, 2014
On a side note, one of the first desserts I made for my husband (one about the 3 or 4th date) was apple pie. It turned out to be good guess because it happens to be his favorite dessert. One year later we too were married! FEED YOUR LOVE!
Flirty F. June 19, 2014
I absolutely love the story behind this recipe. And I'm always looking for lighter healthy desserts, so I'm adding to one to my favorites.