I often find myself reaching for comfort food, especially after a long week. This sweet noodle kugel recipe with Golden Raisins fills the kitchen with a warm, cinnamon aroma, promising crispy edges and a creamy center. It’s perfect for busy families needing a hearty side, a simple dessert, or a delightful brunch. Transform simple pantry staples into a dish that feels like a warm hug, a beloved family tradition for quick weeknight dinners.
What You’ll Need for Sweet Noodle Kugel
This hearty, family-friendly noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins relies on these staples for its comforting appeal.
- Egg noodles: 12 oz (340g), wide egg noodles for classic texture. Look for organic noodles for a premium upgrade.
- Large eggs: 4, for binding and richness. Pasture-raised eggs offer a richer color and flavor.
- Full-fat cottage cheese: 16 oz (450g), for creaminess and tang. Opt for organic dairy for the best taste.
- Sour cream: 8 oz (225g), adds moisture and richness (or plain Greek yogurt if that’s what’s in the fridge).
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), for balanced sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (56g), melted, for flavor and browning.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (5ml), enhances sweet notes, choose pure vanilla for depth.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml), for warmth and aroma.
- Golden raisins: 1/2 cup (75g), plump and sweet bursts. Always check dates for freshness; they should be soft and pliable.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml), any kind, for desired consistency (regular milk is a budget-friendly swap for heavy cream).
- Salt: 1/4 tsp (1.5g), balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter: For greasing your baking dish.
Step-by-Step Method Made Simple
Making this noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins is straightforward, perfect for a family dinner.
Cook noodles: Boil wide egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain very well, then set aside to cool slightly, ensuring they don’t stick together. Preparing the base for this delightful noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins starts with perfectly cooked noodles.
Prepare custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Gently fold in the plump golden raisins. This creamy custard is key to our perfect noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins.
Combine: Add the slightly cooled, drained noodles to the custard mixture. Stir gently with a spatula to ensure all the noodles are thoroughly coated, ready to absorb the sweet flavors. Ensuring all noodles are coated sets the stage for a delicious noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins.
Bake: Pour the complete noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins mixture into a generously greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, until the kugel is set and golden brown. At home, I sometimes sprinkle a little extra cinnamon-sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crunch that my kids love. The kugel should be set in the center and golden brown on top; a knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean. For a quicker bake, use a wider, shallower dish. For a healthier twist for easy dinner ideas, reduce the sugar by a quarter and use low-fat dairy options, creating a more balanced family-friendly meal. If your kugel appears too dry after baking, next time consider adding an extra splash (1-2 tablespoons) of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If it’s not setting, ensure eggs are fully mixed and bake a bit longer. Avoid overcooking noodles for the best texture. This versatile noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins is perfect as a healthy, family-friendly meal.
Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration
When to serve this delightful sweet noodle kugel with golden raisins? It’s a versatile dish, perfect as a comforting weeknight side, a cherished holiday tradition, or even a satisfying school lunchbox treat. It also makes a delightful addition to casual potlucks and brunches. I often bake a double batch during the holidays; my kids love finding it in their lunchboxes the next day!
Serve this classic warm, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A side of fruit compote, like apple or cherry, complements its creamy sweetness beautifully. It pairs surprisingly well with savory main dishes like roasted chicken or slow-cooked brisket, making it a wonderful family-friendly addition to any table.
For convenience, store leftover sweet noodle kugel tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For easy meal prep, freeze individual portions; simply thaw overnight and reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave.
Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits
This sweet noodle kugel recipe with golden raisins isn’t just delicious; it offers practical wellness benefits, too. This dish provides sustained energy from carbs, balanced protein from eggs and dairy, and a touch of natural sweetness from the fruit. It’s a hearty, balanced option for busy days.
- A hearty, comforting addition to any meal, promoting a sense of satisfaction.
- Provides a good source of protein for muscle support and satiety, ideal for active lifestyles.
- Can be adapted into healthy recipes for dinner with mindful ingredient choices like whole wheat noodles.
- Offers easy meal prep for busy families, making a satisfying grab-and-go option for healthy eating.
Why This Recipe Works for You
This easy noodle kugel recipe with golden raisins effortlessly ties into your lifestyle goals, whether you aim to save time, eat better, or enjoy more family meals. It simplifies home cooking with its straightforward steps and common ingredients. You can consistently put a delicious, family-friendly meal on the table.
- Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy a tasty meal without stretching your grocery budget.
- Quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy evenings or efficient weekend meal prep.
- Versatile to fit various dietary needs with simple swaps, ensuring it works for everyone.
- A beloved dish that naturally encourages more quality family time around the table.
Smart Upgrades and Adjustments
To achieve a more polished finish for your sweet noodle kugel, consider a few technique tips. For an extra golden crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This adds a lovely caramelized top.
Explore flavor variations by adding a little orange zest for brightness or a pinch of nutmeg for deeper warmth. You could also swap a portion of the golden raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots to vary the fruit profile in your noodle kugel recipe sweet with golden raisins.
- Low-Carb: Use shirataki noodles and sugar substitutes like erythritol.
- Vegan: Opt for plant-based egg noodles, egg replacers, and dairy-free cottage cheese and sour cream.
- Diabetic-Friendly: Reduce sugar by half and use whole wheat noodles.
- Kid-Friendly: Serve plain, or with just a light dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Reader Q&A
Can I prepare Sweet Noodle Kugel with Golden Raisins ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire noodle kugel recipe sweet with golden raisins mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for best results.
Is Sweet Noodle Kugel with Golden Raisins good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Bake a large batch of this sweet noodle kugel, then portion it into individual containers. It makes for easy grab-and-go breakfasts, lunches, or healthy snacks throughout the week, supporting your meal prep recipes.
What’s the best way to store Sweet Noodle Kugel with Golden Raisins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?
Yes, for a healthier sweet noodle kugel, I often swap in whole wheat noodles, reduce the sugar by a quarter, and use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. These changes still yield a delicious, family-friendly dish.
Can I use other dried fruits in this sweet noodle kugel?
While golden raisins offer a classic sweetness and texture, feel free to experiment. Dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even a mix of dried cherries can add a lovely twist to your sweet noodle kugel.
How do I make my sweet noodle kugel extra creamy?
For an even creamier texture, you can add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the custard mixture. Additionally, ensure your cottage cheese and sour cream are both full-fat for maximum richness in your noodle kugel recipe sweet with golden raisins.
Embrace the ease and warmth of this delightful sweet noodle kugel with golden raisins, a dish that truly brings comfort to your table and supports easy dinner ideas. Enjoy this beloved classic tonight; then, save this noodle kugel recipe to your Pinterest board for future family meals!
noodle kugel recipe sweet with Golden Raisins
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This sweet noodle kugel recipe features golden raisins, offering crispy edges and a creamy center with a warm cinnamon aroma. It’s a versatile dish perfect as a hearty side, simple dessert, or delightful brunch option for busy families.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 4 large eggs
- 16 oz full-fat cottage cheese
- 8 oz sour cream, (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup golden raisins
- 0.25 cup milk, any kind
- 0.25 tsp salt
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter, for greasing baking dish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Boil wide egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain very well, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and milk until smooth. Gently fold in golden raisins.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled, drained noodles to the custard mixture. Stir gently with a spatula to ensure all noodles are thoroughly coated.
- Bake Kugel: Pour the mixture into a generously greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, until set and golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
Notes
If kugel appears too dry, add an extra splash (1-2 tablespoons) of milk or sour cream next time. If not setting, ensure eggs are fully mixed and bake longer. Avoid overcooking noodles for best texture. Consider reducing sugar or using low-fat dairy for a healthier twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 150 g)
- Calories: 320 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: sweet noodle kugel, golden raisins, comfort food, family-friendly, side dish, dessert, brunch, easy recipe, cinnamon, dairy