Rhubarb Bread Pudding
This recipe combines tangy rhubarb, indulgent custard, spongy brioche and sweet swirls of strawberry jam to create a decadent Rhubarb Bread Pudding.
Looking for rhubarb recipes to use up that bumper crop of rhubarb? Try pairing tangy rhubarb with sweet strawberry jam in this decadent Rhubarb Bread Pudding!
Rhubarb Garden
My dad was here for a short visit this past weekend. He watched as I pulled the bread pudding out of the oven and set it on the counter. “What kind is it?” he asked, peering over his glasses to get a better look.
“Rhubarb Bread Pudding, Dad,” I told him, not expecting him to even know what rhubarb was, since I don’t recall ever eating it growing up. “Ah! Rhubarb! Remember all the rhubarb in the garden?” he gushed.
Well, that threw me for a loop. “We grew rhubarb?” I was incredulous. Of all the things my mom grew in our little house in New York, I couldn’t recall any rhubarb in that garden. Maybe it was hidden behind the sweet peas and the asparagus?
Discovering Rhubarb
Turns out, there was a bumper crop of rhubarb from the previous owners when my parents bought the house. They cooked with it once, then proceeded to remove the plants, way before I could even remember.
And now I think back to what a shame that is, since it took a few decades for me to encounter rhubarb again. My love for rhubarb could have started much sooner, imagine that?
Rhubarb Recipes
The first thing I make as soon as I see rhubarb in the markets is the cake that started it all for me – the rhubarb cake that reminds me of my friend Liz and the adventures we had in Chicago years ago. As we were eating it, my husband suggested that I should make rhubarb bread pudding.
Well, he was onto something.
Rhubarb Bread Pudding
I made several batches before I got it just right – the perfect amount of custard to spongy brioche, studded with tangy rhubarb and swirls of strawberry jam. Served with a scoop or two of creamy vanilla ice cream, each spoonful is decadent and definitely worth making. Rhubarb Bread Pudding is staying in the rotation during rhubarb season, that’s for sure.
And in case you’re wondering, my dad did approve.
If you liked Rhubarb Bread Pudding, Here are More Rhubarb Recipes to Try!
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp (Vegan-Friendly)
Rhubarb Mint Margarita
Rhubarb Frangipane Cake
Blueberry Rhubarb Cobbler
Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Rhubarb Empanadas
Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz loaf day-old brioche
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 3 stalks rhubarb leaves trimmed, and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- 1 tablespoon butter for baking dish
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, and place the baking rack in the center of the oven.
- Slice the brioche in half lengthwise, as if you were making a large sandwich or making a layer cake. If the bread is especially lofty, you may consider slicing it into three layers, about 1 inch thick each.
- Spread the jam between the layers of bread, then reassemble the brioche. Cut into 1 inch crosswise pieces, then crosswise again, until you have cubes of jam-filled bread.
- Toss the rhubarb in 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish by buttering the dish and sprinkling with 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Arrange the brioche in the baking dish, and nestle the rhubarb in the nooks and crannies. Scatter the remaining rhubarb over the bread.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining cup of sugar with the heavy cream, half and half, eggs, rum, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour it over the bread and rhubarb and let the baking dish sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, periodically pressing the bread so that it gets evenly saturated.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the bread pudding has puffed and is set in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Comments
COOKBOOK
Beautiful post!
Thank you, Deborah!
I’m having a wonderful childhood reminiscence right now… Thank you <3
I’m so glad this brought back happy memories, Kim!
This is such a brilliant way to use rhubarb (and even more brilliant is that slathering of strawberry jam in the middle!). Rhubarb is one of the few things that grows like a weed here in New England. So at least I’m lucky for that! Can’t wait to try this, Liren!
Hi Liz! That is what I hear – I need to grow my own rhubarb, because clearly, I can’t get enough! And oh the jam — it makes a difference and adds just the right touch of sweetness!
i have yet to come across rhubarb in texas..i will be keeping an close eye again this year :( this looks wonderful!
Do keep an eye out for the rhubarb – once you find it, you’ll be putting it in EVERYTHING!