A Journey Back to Nigeria’s Roots

Puff-puff is a staple in Nigerian street food culture—a simple, deep-fried dough that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and slightly sweet. It’s served at celebrations, shared among family and friends, and enjoyed with a variety of flavors like vanilla, nutmeg, or ginger.

At SmokeyPan, we’ve elevated this classic by combining it with the smooth, creamy texture of bread pudding, creating a dessert that’s both familiar and surprising. The result is a dish that’s rich, comforting, and brimming with nostalgia—a true reflection of the spirit and flavors of Nigeria.

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Recipe Overview

Servings: 6 large ramekins

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Cooling Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Puff-Puff:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

- 1½ cups warm milk

- 2 whole eggs

- A pinch of salt

- Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Custard Mixture:

- 2½ cups whole milk

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 4 large eggs

- ½ cup sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

- ½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce:

- 1 cup sugar

- ¼ cup water

- ½ cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

- Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

- Fresh blackberries

- Sliced strawberries

- Fresh mint leaves

- Scoop of ice cream

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Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff-Puff

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, nutmeg, and salt. Break the eggs and gradually add warm milk, mixing until a smooth batter forms.

2. Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a cloth and place it in a warm area. Let it rise for about 45 minutes until doubled in size.

3. Fry the Puff-Puff: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Drop small spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

1. Make the Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Add raisins if desired.

Step 3: Assemble the Puff-Puff Pudding

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Slice and Layer: Cut the fried puff-puff balls in half and layer them into large ramekins.

3. Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the puff-puff pieces, pressing down lightly to ensure the puff-puff absorbs the custard.

Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding

1. Bake the Pudding: Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

2. Cool: Let the pudding cool slightly before serving.

Step 5: Prepare the Caramel Sauce (Optional if you have caramel syrup)

1. Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar turns a deep amber color. Carefully stir in heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the Pudding: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of each pudding. Add fresh blackberries, sliced strawberries, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Finish with a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.

2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Puff-Puff Bread Pudding warm and enjoy the creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced flavors that reflect the spirit of Nigerian cuisine.

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Cooking Tip by SmokeyPan

For that perfect caramelization on the Puff-Puff Bread Pudding, keep an eye on the temperature! A sync thermometer is your best friend when making the caramel sauce—ensuring you get that rich, deep flavor without burning it.

Rooted in Tradition, Elevated for Today

At SmokeyPan, we believe in celebrating the roots of Nigerian cuisine while giving it a fresh, modern twist. This Puff-Puff Bread Pudding recipe embodies our philosophy—bringing together classic flavors and new techniques to create a dish that’s both innovative and comforting.

Enjoy creating, sharing, and savoring a taste of home, elevated to new heights!

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Tag me when you make this!!

**#SmokeyPanRecipes #NigerianCuisine #PuffPuffBreadPudding #ModernNigerianFlavors #TasteOfHome**