Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble

There’s nothing quite like the combination of almonds, cherries, and creamy pudding, all brought together in one delightful dessert. This recipe for Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a treat for your family. The richness of the almond base, the freshness of the cherries, and the creamy texture of the pudding make for a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. This dessert is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, and its beautiful presentation makes it an excellent choice for special occasions.

The beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. For instance, if cherries are not in season, you can substitute them with other fresh fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches. The almond base and crumble can also be flavored with different spices like cinnamon or cardamom to add a unique twist. This flexibility makes the Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble a wonderful recipe to keep in your repertoire.

Not only is this dessert delicious, but it also has an inviting homemade charm. The process of preparing each component—the creamy pudding, the tender almond base, the juicy cherries, and the buttery crumble—creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. As the dessert bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of vanilla and almonds, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.

Ingredients:

For the Pudding:

• 400 ml milk
• 40 g sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 1 packet vanilla pudding powder

For the Crumble:

• 80 g cold butter
• 125 g flour
• 70 g sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar

For the Almond Base:

• 110 g butter
• 60 ml cream
• 120 g sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
• 3 eggs (size M)
• 60 g Greek yogurt (10% fat)
• 140 g ground blanched almonds
• 90 g flour
• 1 packet baking powder
• 1/2 vial bitter almond flavoring (optional)
• 50 g chocolate chips (optional)
• 500 g fresh cherries
• Flaked almonds (for topping)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

Preparing the Pudding:

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a medium saucepan, combine 400 ml of milk, 40 g of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar, and 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder. Stir well to ensure that the pudding powder dissolves completely in the milk mixture.
2. Cooking the Pudding:
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you have a Thermomix, you can set it to cook for 7 minutes at 90°C, with the counter-clockwise setting and at speed 3. This will ensure a smooth and creamy consistency without lumps.
3. Cooling the Pudding:
   Once the pudding has thickened and reached a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat. Pour the pudding into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the other components of the dessert.
4. Preparing the Cherries:
   Pit 500 g of fresh cherries. If you don’t have a cherry pitter, you can use a small knife to carefully remove the pits. Make sure to discard any damaged or overripe cherries. Set the pitted cherries aside until you are ready to assemble the dessert.

Making the Crumble:

5. Combine the Ingredients:
   In a mixing bowl, combine 80 g of cold butter, 125 g of flour, 70 g of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Kneading the Crumble:
   If you have a Thermomix, you can knead the mixture for 20 seconds at speed 6. Transfer the crumble mixture to a separate bowl and set it aside. The crumble will add a delightful texture and buttery flavor to the dessert.

Preparing the Almond Base:

7. Melting the Butter:
   In a small saucepan, melt 110 g of butter over low heat. If you are using a Thermomix, set it to melt for 3 minutes at 65°C, with the counter-clockwise setting and at speed 2. Once melted, allow the butter to cool slightly before adding it to the other ingredients.
8. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 60 ml of cream, 120 g of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla sugar, and 3 eggs. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Add 60 g of Greek yogurt and continue to whisk until the yogurt is fully incorporated.
9. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add 140 g of ground blanched almonds, 90 g of flour, and 1 packet of baking powder to the wet mixture. If you like, you can also add 1/2 vial of bitter almond flavoring for an extra almond kick. Use a spatula or a whisk to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
10. Optional Add-ins:
    If you love the combination of chocolate and cherries, you can add 50 g of chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assembling the Dessert:

11. Preheating the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat). Butter a 26 cm springform pan thoroughly, making sure to coat all the sides and the bottom to prevent the dessert from sticking.
12. Pouring the Batter:
    Pour the almond base batter into the prepared springform pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top. This will ensure that the pudding, cherries, and crumble have a stable base to sit on.
13. Adding the Pudding:
    Using a spoon, dollop the prepared pudding onto the almond base batter in small, evenly spaced blobs. This will create pockets of creamy pudding throughout the dessert, adding to its texture and flavor.
14. Adding the Cherries and Crumble:
    Distribute the pitted cherries evenly over the pudding-topped batter. Next, sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cherries. The crumble will add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor to the dessert.
15. Adding Flaked Almonds:
    For an extra touch of almond flavor and texture, sprinkle a handful of flaked almonds over the top of the crumble. This will also give the dessert a beautiful finish.

Baking and Serving:

16. Baking:
    Place the springform pan on the second rack from the bottom in your preheated oven. Bake the dessert for about 60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the dessert as it bakes, and if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
17. Cooling:
    Once the dessert is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the dessert, then release the springform and transfer the dessert to a wire rack to cool completely.
18. Dusting with Powdered Sugar:
    Just before serving, dust the top of the dessert with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful, snowy finish to the dessert.
19. Slicing and Serving:
    Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into slices. Serve the Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

This Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of creamy pudding, juicy cherries, and buttery crumble is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a special treat with your family, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. You can try using different types of nuts for the base, such as hazelnuts or pistachios, to add a unique flavor profile. Similarly, experimenting with different fruits can also yield delicious results. The key is to balance the sweetness and tartness of the fruit with the rich almond base and creamy pudding. With a bit of experimentation, you can make this dessert truly your own and create a new family favorite that will be cherished for years to come.

In conclusion, this Almond Pudding with Fresh Sweet Cherries and Butter Crumble is not just a dessert; it is an experience. From the moment you start preparing it to the final bite, every step is filled with the promise of something delightful. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that will surely impress your guests and loved ones. The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your preferences and experiment with different variations, making it a dessert you can enjoy in many forms throughout the year. Whether