Meggyes Mákos Guba
Poppy Seed Bread Pudding with Sour Cherry
Meggyes mákos guba is a delightful Hungarian dessert that transforms stale bread or pastries into a sweet and comforting dish. It features layers of bread cubes soaked in a poppy seed-sweetened milk mixture, interspersed with sour cherry compote, and often topped with a vanilla custard or whipped cream.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 large Day-old croissants or brioche rolls(cut into cubes)
- 1 l Milk(plus more if needed)
- to taste Granulated sugar(for sweetening milk)
- 50 g Ground poppy seeds
- 1 package Vanilla pudding mix(for making custard)
- 2 tsp Vanilla sugar
- 200 g Sour cherry compote or jam(pitted cherries)
- 0.5 cup Raisins(optional)
- 200 ml Heavy cream(for topping, optional)
- 0.5 tsp Whipped cream stabilizer(if using heavy cream)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cut the croissants or rolls into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl.
- 2
Gently warm 3 dl (about 1.25 cups) of the milk with sugar to taste. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, add the ground poppy seeds and raisins (if using), and toss gently to combine. Let it soak for about 15-20 minutes.
- 3
Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package directions using the remaining milk and vanilla sugar. Let it cool slightly, so it's still pourable but not hot.
- 4
In serving glasses or a large serving dish, layer the soaked bread-and-poppy seed mixture with the sour cherry compote. Start with a layer of bread mixture, then a layer of cherries, and repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with the bread mixture.
- 5
Pour the slightly cooled vanilla pudding over the layered bread and cherries, ensuring it seeps down through the layers.
- 6
If using, whip the heavy cream with the stabilizer until stiff peaks form. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of the dessert.
- 7
Chill the Meggyes mákos guba in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using day-old croissants or brioche gives the best texture as they absorb liquid well without becoming mushy.
- ✓Adjust the sugar in the milk and pudding to your preference.
- ✓If you don't have sour cherry compote, good quality sour cherry jam can be used.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some versions omit the pudding and simply soak the bread in sweetened milk, then layer with cherries and top with whipped cream.
- A sprinkle of chopped walnuts can be added for texture.