Grapenut Pudding
A warm, comforting baked custard pudding with the unique texture and nutty flavor of Grape-Nuts cereal. This classic New England dessert is simple to make and tastes like a hug in a bowl, perfect for a cozy evening.
For 8 servings
10 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
- a.Generously butter a 1.5-quart (or 8x8 inch) baking dish.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it is steaming and small bubbles form around the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Do not let it come to a full boil. This is called scalding.
- 3
Place the Grape-Nuts cereal in a large mixing bowl
- a.Pour the hot milk over the cereal. Let the mixture stand for 15 minutes to allow the cereal to soften.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until they are well-combined, smooth, and slightly pale in color. Whisk in the ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- 5
Temper the eggs to prevent them from scrambling
- a.While whisking constantly, slowly pour about one cup of the warm milk and cereal mixture into the egg mixture. Once combined, pour this tempered egg mixture back into the large bowl with the rest of the milk and cereal.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Stir the melted butter and vanilla extract into the custard base until everything is fully incorporated.
- 7
Pour the final mixture into the prepared baking dish
- a.Place this dish inside a larger roasting pan.
- 8
Step 8
- a.Create a water bath (bain-marie) by carefully pouring hot water into the larger roasting pan until the water level reaches halfway up the sides of the baking dish. This ensures gentle, even cooking.
- 9
Carefully transfer the pans to the preheated oven
- a.Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pudding is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle (like gelatin). A knife inserted about an inch from the center should come out clean.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Once baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the water bath and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The water bath is essential for a creamy, smooth custard. Do not skip this step, as it prevents the eggs from curdling and the pudding from becoming rubbery.
- 2Avoid overbaking. The pudding should still have a slight wobble in the very center when removed from the oven; it will finish setting as it cools.
- 3For a richer, more decadent pudding, substitute half-and-half or light cream for 1-2 cups of the whole milk.
- 4Serve warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light drizzle of pure maple syrup.
- 5Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it cold or gently reheat in the microwave.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Twist
Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the cereal when you add the hot milk to let them plump up.
Sweetener SwapSweetener Swap
For a deeper flavor, replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of light brown sugar or 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup (reduce milk by 1/4 cup if using maple syrup).
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Add a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex spice profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Protein
With four large eggs and four cups of milk, this pudding provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Rich in Calcium
The whole milk used in this recipe is an excellent source of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Provides B-Vitamins
Grape-Nuts cereal is fortified with several B-vitamins, including folic acid and thiamin, which play a key role in energy metabolism and converting food into fuel.
Frequently asked questions
Grapenut pudding is a classic baked custard dessert from New England. It features Grape-Nuts cereal, which is soaked in hot milk to soften, then baked into a sweet, spiced egg custard, resulting in a unique, slightly chewy texture.