Discover the timeless delight of Žemľovka, a beloved bread pudding from Central Europe. This easy-to-make recipe combines layers of hearty bread, tender apples, and fragrant cinnamon for a comforting and delicious dessert. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or a sweet treat anytime!

Ingredients:

- 10 slices of stale bread (preferably white or rye)

- 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

- 1 cup milk

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 3 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/4 cup melted butter

- Powdered sugar for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9x13 inches) with butter or non-stick spray.

Prepare Bread: Tear the stale bread into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Prepare Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Arrange the seasoned apple slices evenly over the bread pieces in the dish.

Make Custard Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and the remaining cinnamon (and nutmeg if using). Pour this mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the dish, pressing down slightly to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Cool and Serve: Allow the Žemľovka to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Žemľovka as a comforting dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!

Nutritional values

For the Bread Pudding:

Stale Bread (10 slices, approximately 300g):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 265

   - Protein: 9g

   - Carbohydrates: 49g

   - Fat: 4g

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. Bread also contains B vitamins and minerals.

Apples (4 medium, approximately 480g):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 52

   - Protein: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 14g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Apples provide dietary fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants. They add natural sweetness and moisture.

Milk (1 cup, approximately 240ml):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100ml):

   - Calories: 42

   - Protein: 3g

   - Carbohydrates: 5g

   - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Helps bind ingredients together and adds creaminess.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup, approximately 100g):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 387

   - Protein: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 100g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds sweetness. Use in moderation to manage sugar intake.

Large Eggs (3):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per egg):

   - Calories: 70

   - Protein: 6g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Fat: 5g

Benefits: Eggs provide high-quality protein, vitamins D and B12, and minerals. They help bind the pudding and add richness.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, approximately 2.6g):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 247

   - Protein: 4g

   - Carbohydrates: 81g

   - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Cinnamon adds flavor and contains antioxidants. It may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, approximately 0.5g, optional):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 525

   - Protein: 5g

   - Carbohydrates: 49g

   - Fat: 36g

Benefits: Nutmeg adds warmth and complexity to flavor. It has antioxidant properties and may aid digestion.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon, approximately 5ml):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100ml):

   - Calories: 288

   - Protein: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 69g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds a rich, sweet aroma and flavor. Contains some antioxidants.

Melted Butter (1/4 cup, approximately 56g):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 717

   - Protein: 1g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

   - Fat: 81g

Benefits: Adds richness and flavor. High in fat, so use in moderation.

Powdered Sugar (for serving, optional):

  - Approximate Nutritional Values (per 100g):

   - Calories: 389

   - Protein: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 100g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds a sweet finishing touch. Use in moderation to control sugar intake.