Çilekli Ekmek Kadayıfı (Strawberry Bread Pudding)
Çilekli ekmek kadayıfı is a delicious Turkish dessert that lures both the eyes and the taste buds. It is the perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, and the addition of fresh strawberries gives it a refreshing twist. Kadayıf is a staple in Turkish cuisine, it is a shredded phyllo dough that is often used in desserts. It is usually soaked in simple syrup and then baked or fried to get a crispy texture. This dessert is a great way to use up leftover bread or kadayıf.
The ingredients that go into this dessert are simple, and most can be found in your pantry. You’ll need some shredded phyllo dough (kadayıf), milk, bread slices, sugar, butter, and fresh strawberries. The preparation of this dessert is also straightforward, provided you follow the steps.
To start with, you need to let the kadayıf soak in the milk until it becomes soft. While the kadayıf soaks, you can prepare the bread slices by cutting the crusts off and cubing them. The bread cubes are then mixed with melted butter and placed in the bottom of a baking dish. The kadayıf that has been soaked in milk is then placed over the bread cubes.
Next, the strawberries are sliced and arranged over the kadayıf. The layering process is repeated until the baking dish is filled. A final layer of bread cubes is placed over the strawberries, and the dish is baked until it becomes golden brown and the bread has a crispy texture.
It is important to note that this dessert is traditionally served with a syrup made from sugar and water. The syrup is poured over the hot dessert, which ensures that the kadayıf and bread cubes soak up the syrup perfectly.
This dessert is perfect for a warm summer evening when strawberries are in season. The freshness of the fruit gives the dessert a light, refreshing flavor that is perfect for any occasion. It is also a great way to use up any leftover bread or kadayıf.
In Turkey, this dessert is a popular treat during the summer months. It is usually served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, which complements the sweetness of the dessert. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for a dessert that is not too heavy.
Overall, this strawberry bread pudding is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The combination of crispy kadayıf, soft bread cubes, and fresh strawberries makes it a dessert that is difficult to resist. It is perfect for anyone who is looking to try something new, and it is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 8 slices of stale bread, cut into cubes
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup honey
- Whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
-
In a bowl, mix the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
-
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the bread soak in the milk mixture for 5-10 minutes.
-
In another bowl, mix the sliced strawberries, chopped walnuts, and chopped pistachios.
-
Arrange half of the soaked bread cubes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the strawberry mixture.
-
Add the remaining soaked bread cubes on top of the strawberries. Pour the melted butter over the bread cubes.
-
Add the remaining strawberry mixture on top of the bread cubes. Drizzle honey over the top.
-
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the strawberries are soft and juicy.
-
Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy!