Mákos Guba
Poppy Seed Bread Pudding
Mákos Guba is a traditional Hungarian Christmas dessert, but it's enjoyed year-round. It's a comforting bread pudding made with day-old bread rolls (kifli), milk, ground poppy seeds, and sugar. It can be served as is, or baked for a slightly firmer texture, often accompanied by vanilla custard or a dollop of jam.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6-8 pieces Day-old bread rolls (kifli or similar)
- 700 ml Milk
- 100 g Ground poppy seeds
- 75 g Granulated sugar(plus more for dusting)
- 2 packets Vanilla sugar(optional, or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 tbsp Butter(for greasing the baking dish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Tear or cut the bread rolls into bite-sized pieces. If the bread is fresh, let it dry out overnight.
💡 Tip: Using slightly stale bread helps it absorb the milk better without becoming mushy. - 2
In a saucepan, gently warm the milk with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar (if using). Do not boil.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the ground poppy seeds with a few tablespoons of the sugar. You can add vanilla extract here if not using vanilla sugar.
- 4
Butter a baking dish. Place half of the bread pieces in the dish and pour half of the warm milk over them. Sprinkle with half of the poppy seed mixture.
💡 Tip: Ensure the bread is evenly moistened. - 5
Add the remaining bread pieces, pour the rest of the milk over, and sprinkle with the remaining poppy seed mixture and a little extra sugar.
💡 Tip: For a quicker version, mix everything together in a large bowl before transferring to the baking dish. - 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and heated through. Alternatively, this dish can be served immediately without baking.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, some recipes suggest adding raisins or a splash of rum to the mixture.
- ✓Serve warm with vanilla custard, whipped cream, or a dollop of fruit jam.
- ✓Ensure poppy seeds are ground for the best texture and flavor release.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the mixture before baking.
- Serve with a side of vanilla pudding or crème anglaise.
- Some recipes include a meringue topping baked on top.