Latvian Rye Bread Pudding with Berries
A comforting and traditional Latvian dessert made from dark rye bread, layered with sweet cream and tart berry jam, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

๐ง Ingredients
- 500 g Dark rye bread(stale or dried until crisp)
- 800 ml Water
- 4-5 tablespoons Blackcurrant or cherry jam
- 100 g Dried fruits (apricots, cherries, pineapple, raisins)(chopped)
- 100 g Nuts (cashews, walnuts)(chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 200 ml Sweet cream (35% fat)(chilled)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar(for whipping cream)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Cut slices of rye bread into cubes. Toast them in the oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) until crisp, or toast in a dry pan. Rotate them from time to time.
๐ก Tip: Using stale bread is even better. - 2
Place the toasted bread cubes in a pot and pour over boiling water until the bread is covered. Cover with a plate and let it soak for 25-30 minutes.
- 3
Once the bread has cooled slightly, grind it in a meat grinder or blend it into coarse crumbs.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the bread is not too wet before grinding. - 4
In a separate bowl, whip the chilled sweet cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
๐ก Tip: Make sure the cream is well chilled for best results. - 5
In a deep dish or several small dessert cups, begin layering: start with a layer of the ground rye breadcrumbs, followed by a layer of blackcurrant or cherry jam, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of rye breadcrumbs.
๐ก Tip: You can also add chopped dried fruits and nuts between the layers for added texture and flavor. - 6
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7
Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh fruit, a dollop of extra whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and grated chocolate.
๐ก Tip: This dessert tastes best after chilling, allowing the bread to soften and absorb the flavors.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โThe quality of the rye bread significantly impacts the final flavor.
- โAdjust the amount of jam according to your sweetness preference.
- โFor a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of Riga Black Balsam to the jam layer.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different types of jam, such as raspberry or plum.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like figs or dates.
- Add a layer of toasted nuts for extra crunch.