Sweet Noodle Kugel Recipe (Jewish Noodle Pudding)

If you’ve ever had sweet noodle kugel, you know that it’s a creamy, custardy delight that practically melts in your mouth.

If you’ve never had sweet noodle kugel, get ready to fall in love with this traditional Jewish noodle pudding! 

There are times when I love introducing my non-Jewish friends to traditionally Jewish foods and other times when I feel just plain bad about it. For instance, I haven’t been able to persuade many people to join me in my love of kasha and bowties.

But when it comes to this sweet noodle kugel made with cream cheese, cottage cheese and topped with syrupy cherries, my job is pretty easy. It’s a consistent winner!

What is Kugel? 

Pronounced KOO-gull, kugel is a sweet noodle pudding. The basic ingredients are egg noodles, eggs, cream cheese and cottage cheese. Sometimes, sour cream is used instead of cream cheese.

Kugel is traditionally served on Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a side dish or dessert. Sometimes it is called sweet lokshen kugel, lokshen being the Yiddish word for egg noodles. 

Depending on your family, your kugel could have cinnamon and golden raisins or it could be topped with cherries.

In our family, there was so much bickering over the toppings that we eventually started making two different kugels. My dad and I love cherries on top, and that’s how I always make it.

Ingredients for Sweet Noodle Kugel

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple Jewish dish:

• Egg noodles. Look for medium-sized noodles. You could substitute wide egg noodles if necessary. 
• Eggs
• Milk. Even nonfat milk works in this recipe, so use whatever you like. 
• Cottage cheese. Small curd is what we’re looking for. 
• Cream Cheese
• Butter
• Cherry pie filling

How to Make Sweet Noodle Kugel

Get started on the custard mixture while your egg noodles are cooking. 

First, combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla in one bowl. In a second bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese and milk. 

Once the noodles are cooked al dente and drained, pour them into the cottage cheese mixture. Then, pour in the egg mixture and stir everything together. 

The small amount of butter in this recipe is used to coat the baking dish. Then, just pour the kugel mixture into the buttered baking dish and pop it in the oven. 

​You’ll put the cherry topping on about halfway through the baking time. Once it’s done, wait for the kugel to cool to room temperature before slicing it into servings. 

Variations and Substitutions

Although I’m team cherry, there are many other ways to enjoy sweet noodle kugel. Here are some popular options:

1. Fruit options: Enhance the sweetness by adding diced apples or golden raisins to the kugel mixture. 
2. Get nutty: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to add crunch and depth of flavor. 
3. Spice Up Your Life: Experiment with spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to increase the comfort food vibes.
4. Healthier Options: Opt for low-fat cottage cheese and 1/3 less fat cream cheese. Those following an gluten free diet could try using gluten free egg noodles. 

Can you make Sweet Noodle Kugel ahead of time? 

You can absolutely make this noodle kugel ahead of time. Assemble the entire thing but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with several pieces of plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until it you’re ready to bake it. It will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. 

​You can also bake the kugel, allow it to come to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Be sure to consume it within 3-5 days. 

How to Store Sweet Noodle Kugel

If you have leftovers of this Jewish noodle pudding, cut them into individual servings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the individually wrapped servings in a larger airtight container or freezer bag.

It will be good in the fridge for 3-5 days and in the freezer for several months. 

How to Reheat Sweet Noodle Kugel

​Some people like to enjoy kugel at room temperature and others prefer it to be slightly warmed up. It comes down to personal preference.

If your kugel is frozen, allow it to come to room temperature and reheat it in the microwave, if desired. 

When you make this Sweet Noodle Kugel recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more Jewish recipes, try these:

• Challah Bread Recipe (Traditional Braided Jewish Bread)
• Latkes Recipe (Jewish Potato Pancakes)
• Mom’s Best Jewish Apple Cake

For more pudding recipes, try these:

• Stove Top Rice Pudding
• Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
• Blueberry Bread Pudding with Brioche