Robby’s Winterfest Baking #15
The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”
Hey everybirdy! Today we are diving into a special holiday tradition: Heavenly Kruggel. This sweet, creamy egg noodle casserole is the perfect Christmas breakfast.I, Robby, have had this recipe every single Christmas since I was a little girl. It wouldn’t be a holiday morning without it! It’s a “no-recipe” recipe that my mom and I make every year, and it’s finally time to share the magic with you.
What is Heavenly Kruggel? (A Baking Therapy Tradition)
Heavenly Kruggel is a traditional sweet noodle kugel originally found in a vintage newspaper cookbook. But for me, it’s also a form of Baking Therapy.In the middle of the holiday rush, this dish is your permission to slow down. Because it’s a “no-recipe” bake, there’s no pressure to be perfect—you bake by feel, enjoying the scent of warm cinnamon and the rhythm of mixing the ingredients. The real “therapy” happens on Christmas morning: since the magic happens overnight while you sleep, you get to wake up to a stress-free kitchen. You simply pop it in the oven and focus on what matters most—your family and those presents!
The Essentials
To make an authentic batch of Heavenly Kruggel, these are the items you’ll need.
- 1 package (12oz) Wide Egg Noodles: Cooked according to package directions.
- 4 Large Eggs: The binder that makes the casserole fluffy and rich.
- 1 can (20oz) Crushed Pineapple: Make sure to include the juice! This provides the liquid needed for the noodles to cook.
- 1 cup Sour Cream: For a rich, tangy finish. (Pro-tip: My “Pop” suggests swapping for Ricotta cheese).
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract & 1 tsp Cinnamon: These bring that classic Christmas aroma.
- 1 cup Raisins (Optional): For a burst of sweetness.
- ½ cup Finely Chopped Walnuts: Adds a perfect crunch to the top.
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Simple Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this breakfast is as simple as “mix and chill.” Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Boil your egg noodles until tender (al dente). Drain them well.
2. Prepare Your Dish:
Grease a deep 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish thoroughly.
2. Mix the Essentials:
In a large bowl (or directly in your baking dish), combine the cooked and chilled egg noodles, eggs, crushed pineapple (including the juice), sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Add Your Flair:
Stir in your raisins and top the entire mixture with the finely chopped nuts.
4. The Overnight Soak:
Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. This allows the noodles to soften and absorb the custard.
5. Bake and Serve:
On Christmas morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 1 hour until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Heavenly Kruggel Q&A with Robby
Q: Do I really need to cook the noodles first?
Robby: Yes! You need to cook the noodles before mixing them with the other essentials. Cooking them until they are just tender ensures they have the perfect texture after their overnight soak and hour in the oven.
Q: What if I forget to prep it the night before?
Robby: The “therapy” of this dish is the overnight soak! The ingredients need that time in the fridge to truly come together. Trust me, your future self will thank you for doing the work the night before!
Heavenly Kruggel
Ingredients
- 1 pkgs Egg noodles
- 4 eggs
- Can of crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup sour cream Pop says swap sour cream for Ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins opt. Pop says figs, dates
- Finely chopped nuts
Directions
- Put everything in a greased deep dish casserole dish, either 8-inch or 9-inch, mix it, cover, and put in the fridge overnight.
- When ready to eat, pull it out and heat it at 350 for 1 hour.
- Enjoy Christmas breakfast.
I hope this “heavenly” recipe becomes a new favorite in your home, just like it has been in mine for years! If you try it out, let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more baking therapy.
Happy baking!
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