Liechtensteiner Kirschenmichel
A comforting cherry and bread pudding, often made with stale bread rolls, eggs, milk, and cherries, baked until golden brown. It can be served as a dessert or a main course.

🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Stale bread rolls(or 6 slices stale bread)
- 240 ml Milk(warm)
- 3 Large eggs(separated)
- 52 g Granulated sugar
- 794 g Sour cherries(drained, jarred or canned)
- 28 g Butter(melted, plus more for greasing)
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon(optional)
- 1 pinch Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp Powdered sugar(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Dice the stale bread rolls into cubes and place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm milk over the bread and let it soak for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even moisture.
- 2
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar and melted butter until light and creamy. Stir in the cinnamon (if using).
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot. - 3
Add the soaked bread mixture to the egg yolk mixture and stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Do not overmix; some chunks of bread are desirable. - 4
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
💡 Tip: Ensure the bowl and whisk are completely free of grease. - 5
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the bread and egg yolk mixture until just combined.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to deflate the egg whites. - 6
Stir in the drained sour cherries.
- 7
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish (approx. 8x8 inch or similar) with butter and lightly dust with breadcrumbs or flour.
💡 Tip: A springform pan can also be used. - 8
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
💡 Tip: You can dot the top with a few small pieces of butter for extra richness. - 9
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10
Let the Kirschenmichel cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving warm. It is often served with vanilla sauce or whipped cream.
💡 Tip: Kirschenmichel is best enjoyed warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using day-old bread is key for the right texture.
- ✓Ensure cherries are well-drained to prevent a soggy pudding.
- ✓For a richer flavor, a tablespoon of Kirschwasser (cherry brandy) can be added to the egg yolk mixture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute sour cherries with fresh or frozen cherries (pitted).
- Add a handful of chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the batter.
- A sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom can add extra spice.