Cornbread Pudding Recipe: A Comforting Southern Classic

ByEmma

Cornbread pudding is a delightful, comforting dessert that combines the savory goodness of cornbread with a sweet, custardy twist. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or just a cozy evening at home, this dish brings warmth and heartiness to your table. Follow this easy recipe for a rich and flavorful cornbread pudding that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 large pan of cornbread (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels (optional for added texture)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for serving)

How to Make Cornbread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with non-stick spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.

Step 2: Crumble the Cornbread

Take your cooled cornbread and crumble it into small pieces, about 1-inch in size. If you’re using store-bought cornbread, make sure it’s a sturdy, thick variety. Homemade cornbread works wonderfully for this recipe as well.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra layer of flavor, toast the cornbread in the oven for a few minutes before crumbling. This adds a crispy texture to the pudding.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Once the mixture is well combined, slowly pour in the melted butter, stirring continuously to incorporate.

Pro Tip: If you prefer a richer custard, you can replace the whole milk with half-and-half or add a bit more heavy cream.

Step 4: Combine Cornbread and Custard

Add the crumbled cornbread into the custard mixture and stir gently to ensure each piece of cornbread is soaked evenly. If you’re using corn kernels or chopped nuts, fold them into the mixture at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Pour the cornbread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). The pudding should have a soft, custardy texture with slightly crispy edges.

Pro Tip: If the top of your pudding begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cornbread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve it warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch. For an extra indulgence, you can top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations and Tips

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard for a warmer, spiced flavor.
  • Fruity twist: You can stir in some diced apples or raisins for an added burst of sweetness and texture.
  • Gluten-free version: If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free cornbread recipe or pre-made gluten-free cornbread.

Pro Tip: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days and reheat it in the oven for a quick and satisfying treat.

Conclusion

Cornbread pudding is a true Southern favorite that brings together the best of both savory and sweet in a single dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a side dish, it’s guaranteed to impress!

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