Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Recipe: Homemade Delight

Grape-Nut pudding whispers tales of grandma’s kitchen, a velvety dessert that dances between nostalgia and culinary innovation.

Generations have savored this unassuming delicacy, treasuring its unexpected textural symphony.

Silky custard mingles with crunchy cereal fragments, creating a sensory experience that defies simple description.

Each spoonful carries echoes of comfort and warmth, transforming basic ingredients into a masterpiece of dessert craft.

The luscious dairy base embraces nutty Grape-Nuts, weaving together a tapestry of flavor and memory.

Effortlessly crafted with minimal steps, this pudding beckons even novice bakers to indulge in its magical simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use in Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding

• Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier texture.
• Heavy Cream: Select fresh, high-quality cream for smooth consistency.
• Eggs: Pick large, room-temperature eggs for better blending.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla for deeper, more authentic flavor.

• Grape-Nuts Cereal: Select crisp, crunchy cereal for perfect textural contrast.
• Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
• Salt: Select fine-grain sea salt for balanced seasoning.

• Butter or Cooking Spray: Use neutral cooking spray or unsalted butter for easy pan release.
• Warm Water: Use filtered water for consistent water bath temperature.

Cooking Tools for Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding

• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending liquids and creating silky texture.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pan: Deep pan (at least 2 inches) for baking pudding.
• Larger Baking Pan: Used for creating water bath during cooking.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: For greasing cake pan to prevent sticking.
• Toothpick: Helpful for checking pudding's doneness.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for milk, cream, and other ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate sugar and vanilla extract portions.

Cooking Guide for Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding

• Preheat Cozy Oven

Set your oven to a warm 325°F and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by generously coating it with butter or cooking spray.

• Whip Silky Liquid Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend milk, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and luxurious, creating a creamy foundation for your pudding.

• Combine Crunchy Sweet Elements

Gently fold Grape-Nuts cereal, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt into the liquid mixture, stirring until all ingredients are perfectly integrated and create a harmonious blend.

• Create Magical Water Bath

Transfer the pudding mixture into the prepared pan, then place it inside a larger baking pan filled with warm water that reaches about three-quarters up the pudding pan’s sides. This technique ensures a velvety, uniform texture throughout your dessert.

• Bake and Cool

Slide the pans into the oven and bake for one hour. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean. After baking, let the pudding rest for 15 to 30 minutes. For a refreshing treat, allow it to cool completely and chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Change-Ups for Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding

• Customize Cereal Choice: Swap Grape-Nuts with granola, crushed graham crackers, or toasted oats for unique flavor and texture variations. Each alternative brings its own delightful crunch and personality to the pudding.
• Enhance Sweetness Levels: Experiment with different sugars like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or honey to create deeper, more complex sweet notes. These natural sweeteners add richness and depth beyond traditional brown sugar.
• Create Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the mixture for warm, aromatic undertones. A dash of orange zest or almond extract can transform the pudding's flavor profile dramatically.
• Serve with Style: Top your pudding with fresh berries, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve chilled or slightly warm to suit different preferences and occasions.

How to Plate Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding

• Elevate with Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream for a luxurious touch that adds lightness and extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle Cinnamon Delight: Dust the pudding with ground cinnamon or nutmeg just before serving to enhance the warm, comforting flavors and create a beautiful presentation.
• Pair with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries around the pudding to introduce a burst of fruity freshness and vibrant color contrast.
• Drizzle Caramel Elegance: Complement the pudding with a light drizzle of caramel sauce, which will add a rich, sweet dimension and make the dessert feel extra special.

How to Keep Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Fresh

• Preserve Pudding Perfection: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its silky texture intact.
• Chill for Comfort: Serve cold or at room temperature, depending on your mood and craving for a cozy dessert experience.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delightful treat is always within reach.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or let sit at room temperature for soft, creamy enjoyment.

Creamy Barefoot Contessa Grapenut Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grapenut pudding delights with its classic New England charm. Creamy custard and crunchy grape-nuts create a nostalgic dessert you’ll savor with pure comfort and joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (454g / 16 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (227g / 8 fl oz) cream (half-and-half, light, whipping, or heavy cream)
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ to ½ cup (70g to 106g) brown sugar (light or dark), packed
• ¾ cup (85g) grape-nuts cereal
• 2 tsps (8g) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (3g) salt

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Instructions

1. Preheating Station: Configure oven to 325°F (163°C) with rack centered and thoroughly lubricate an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Liquid Foundation: Whisk whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smoothly blended, creating a silky liquid base with consistent texture.
3. Ingredient Integration: Fold Grape-Nuts cereal, dark brown sugar, and kosher salt into liquid mixture, ensuring comprehensive incorporation and eliminating any dry ingredient clusters.
4. Water Bath Configuration: Pour pudding mixture into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Nestle cake pan inside a larger roasting pan and fill surrounding area with warm water reaching three-quarters up the pan’s exterior.
5. Baking and Verification: Slide water bath into preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should emerge clean without wet batter residue.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove pudding from oven and water bath, allowing dessert to stabilize at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Optional: Refrigerate for a chilled version after complete cooling.

Notes

• Prevent Pudding Curdling: Whisk eggs and dairy ingredients thoroughly at room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixture without lumps or separation.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Use hot water when creating water bath to maintain consistent temperature and prevent pudding from cracking or becoming grainy.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Allow pudding to rest at room temperature before chilling, which helps stabilize structure and enhances creamy consistency.
• Customize Sweetness Level: Adjust dark brown sugar quantity based on personal preference, recognizing it significantly impacts overall dessert flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 185mg