We would like to share our rich cultural heritage through the delightful tradition of Kirschenmichel, a German dessert that showcases the unique flavors of sour cherries. This comforting dish, a kind of bread pudding, is made from old buns or bread, combined with butter, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices, resulting in a warm, inviting treat perfect for any occasion. Traditionally served either as a main dish or a dessert, Kirschenmichel highlights the seasonal bounty of fruits, with apples making a delightful substitute when cherries are out of season. Originating from the southern regions of Germany, particularly Baden-Wurttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate, this dish reflects the agricultural richness of the area, where sour cherries are cherished for their tartness and versatility.
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Ingredients
1 Jar sour-cherries
200 g older buns
300 ml milk
50 g butter, soft
60 g sugar
1 package vanilla sugar
2 teaspoons backing powder
4 drops bitter almond aroma
butter and breadcrumbs for the backing pan
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 200° C.
2. Grease a baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
3. Drain the cherries well in a sieve.
4. Crumble the buns, pour milk over it and let it sit until all the liquid is absorbed. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites until very stiff, mix the soaked bread with the egg yolk, butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder and almond aroma and carefully fold in the cherries and beaten egg whites.
5. Bake in the baking dish on the middle shelf at 200 ° C in the preheated oven (gas: mark 3) for 30 minutes. Dust with icing sugar, vanilla sauce or cinnamon sugar and serve warm.
Hints:
Use French or Italian bread or buns. Sandwich bread is not recommended since the result will be mushy.
Make sure the cherry pits are removed, or warn your guests, so they can watch out for errand cherry pits.
You can add brandy or kirshwasser, if you want to add a little extra.
Picture: ©Kirschenmichel mit Vanilla Sauce
