Are you craving a warm, comforting dish that’s both incredibly easy to make and surprisingly delicious? Then look no further! This cracker pudding recipe is a nostalgic favorite, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend brunch. It's a simple yet satisfying dish that’s surprisingly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. This is one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a truly delicious dish that your family will adore. Let's dive into this homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (1 pound) saltine crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial for easy removal of your delicious cracker pudding later.
Layering the Cracker Base:
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Arrange a single layer of saltine crackers in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You might need to break some crackers to fill in any gaps. This creates a satisfyingly crunchy base for your pudding.
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Drizzle half of the melted butter evenly over the crackers. This helps to keep the crackers moist and adds a rich flavor.
Creating the Creamy Custard:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth and creamy texture.
Assembling and Baking:
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Pour half of the egg mixture over the buttered crackers.
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Repeat layers: Add another layer of saltine crackers, drizzle with the remaining melted butter, and pour the remaining egg mixture over the top.
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Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly. Don't overbake!
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cracker pudding cool completely before serving. This allows it to set properly and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
Tips for the Best Cracker Pudding:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pudding. Start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of this simple recipe really shines when you use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Get creative with the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices, like a dash of allspice or ginger, to add your own personal touch.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor and texture, consider adding raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the batter.
Variations:
- Chocolate Cracker Pudding: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the custard mixture for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Apple Cracker Pudding: Add 2 cups of diced apples to the custard mixture for a fruity and autumnal variation.
- Pecan Cracker Pudding: Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans to the custard for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This cracker pudding recipe is a true testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, a delightful addition to any brunch spread, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family!