Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes and milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the bread has absorbed the milk.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Step 5: Add the egg mixture to the soaked bread cubes and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Gently fold in the cherries and the Kirsch (cherry brandy) into the bread mixture.

Step 7: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

Step 9: While the Kirschmichel is baking, prepare the vanilla sauce. In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes.

Step 10: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.

Step 11: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously.

Step 12: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 13: Once the Kirschmichel is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 14: Cut the Kirschmichel into slices and serve warm with the vanilla sauce drizzled on top.

Step 15: Garnish with powdered sugar and fresh cherries if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Kirschmichel, a delicious German dessert!

- Kirsch (cherry brandy): Substitute with cherry juice or cherry syrup. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
- Bread crumbs: Substitute with crushed graham crackers or crushed cookies. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
- Milk: Substitute with almond milk or soy milk. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
- Sugar: Substitute with honey or maple syrup. Adjust the quantity to taste, as honey and maple syrup are sweeter than sugar.
- Eggs: Substitute with mashed bananas or applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana or applesauce per egg.
- Vanilla extract: Substitute with almond extract or rum extract. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
- Butter: Substitute with margarine or coconut oil. Use the same quantity as specified in the recipe.
- Salt: Omit if desired or use a pinch of sea salt as per taste preference.
- Cherries: If fresh cherries are not available, substitute with canned cherries or cherry pie filling. Adjust the quantity to taste and for desired cherry content in the dish.

Note: Adjustments in the preparation may be required based on the specific substitute used, as it may affect the texture, taste, or cooking time of the dish.

- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries or cherries)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel sauce
- Almond flakes
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon zest
- Coffee or espresso
- Digestif liqueurs (such as Amaretto or Frangelico)

1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate on top.
- Create a decorative fruit arrangement around the dish, such as sliced strawberries or raspberries.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a handful of toasted almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts for a crunchy element.
- Incorporate a layer of tart cherry or raspberry preserves between the layers of bread crumbs and cherries.
- Infuse the custard mixture with a splash of vanilla extract or almond liqueur for enhanced flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular bread crumbs with brioche crumbs for a richer taste and texture.
- Use high-quality, imported German Kirsch (cherry brandy) to soak the bread crumbs and cherries.
- Top with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce.

1. Use whole wheat or gluten-free bread instead of white bread to make the dish suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
2. Replace the regular sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for those who need to limit their sugar intake.
3. Substitute full-fat milk with a low-fat or plant-based milk alternative to reduce the saturated fat content for individuals aiming to lower their cholesterol levels.
4. Use egg substitutes or flaxseed meal mixed with water as a vegan alternative to eggs.
5. Incorporate fresh or frozen fruits like berries or apples instead of canned fruits to reduce added sugars and increase the nutrient content.
6. Consider using a non-dairy butter or margarine for individuals who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
7. Add chopped nuts or seeds to increase the dish's fiber and protein content, which can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their weight.
8. Reduce the amount of butter or oil used in the recipe to make it lower in fat and calories for individuals watching their weight or managing heart health.
9. Opt for a smaller portion size or serve with a side of salad or vegetables to create a more balanced meal for those with portion control goals.
10. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor without relying on additional sugar or salt.

1. Replace white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
2. Use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk to reduce saturated fat content.
3. Substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
4. Incorporate fresh fruits, such as berries or sliced apples, for added vitamins and antioxidants.
5. Opt for unsalted butter or a healthier oil alternative, like coconut oil, in smaller quantities.
6. Reduce the amount of sugar by half or use a sugar substitute like stevia, if desired.
7. Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra protein and healthy fats.
8. Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich option.
9. Use less alcohol, or skip it altogether, to reduce empty calories and alcohol content.
10. Serve with a side of plain yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream made from low-fat or non-dairy alternatives.

1. Use pre-made bread cubes or stale bread instead of drying fresh bread, to save time and reduce waste.
2. Substitute canned cherries or cherry pie filling for fresh cherries to save on preparation time.
3. Opt for frozen cherries instead of fresh ones, as they are usually more affordable and readily available.
4. Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk or a mixture of milk and cornstarch to reduce costs without sacrificing creaminess.
5. Use a food processor to quickly chop the bread and cherries instead of doing it by hand.
6. Consider using almond extract instead of kirsch (cherry brandy) to eliminate the need for an additional ingredient.
7. Reduce the baking time by using smaller individual ramekins instead of a large baking dish.
8. Skip the step of soaking the bread in milk if you prefer a firmer texture, saving both time and ingredients.
9. Substitute white sugar with a cheaper alternative like brown sugar or honey, adjusting the quantity to taste.
10. Serve Kirschmichel with a simple dusting of powdered sugar instead of making a sauce, saving time and ingredients.

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