If you’re in the mood for something truly delicious, you have to try this Blueberry Bread Pudding recipe. It’s not your ordinary bread pudding; it’s filled with juicy blueberries and a hint of fresh lemon zest. We’re elevating it by using challah bread for that extra yummy, sweet goodness. This recipe is simple to follow and makes for the perfect fresh fruit summer dessert!
Bread pudding wasn’t always our go-to dessert, but it has grown on us! It’s like a fancy upgrade to classic French toast. For this version, I tossed in some sweet challah bread and fresh blueberries. And the mix of those juicy blueberries, almond extract, zesty lemon, and creamy egg custard is the best.
Let’s take a look at what exactly bread pudding is.
Bread Pudding
Bread pudding has been around for ages, with its roots dating back to ancient times when frugal cooks figured out how to turn stale bread into something yummy. Back in the Middle Ages, especially in Europe, it was dubbed the “poor man’s pudding.” But over the years, folks all around the world put their spin on it, adding local flavors and ingredients to make it their own. Today, it’s still loved for its ability to transform basic ingredients into a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Challah Bread: Challah bread, with its soft and slightly sweet crumb, provides a wonderful base for this pudding, absorbing the custard mixture beautifully and lending a comforting, tender texture.
- Blueberries: Infuses the pudding with bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color, creating pockets of fruity goodness throughout the dessert.
- Eggs: Eggs serve as a binding agent, offering structure and richness to the pudding while ensuring a silky, custardy texture.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk adds a creamy and luscious quality to the custard base, enhancing the pudding’s overall richness.
- Sugar: Sugar sweetens the pudding, balancing the flavors and creating a light caramelization during baking that adds a delightful sweetness to each bite.
- Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness of the pudding, elevating its taste profile with a delightful aroma.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract provides a warm and aromatic depth to the pudding, enhancing its flavor profile with its sweet and fragrant notes.
- Lemon Zest: Provides a burst of citrus freshness, balancing the sweetness of the blueberries and adding a zingy brightness to each bite.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon imparts a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the bread pudding, adding depth and a cozy flavor to the dessert.
- Salt: Salt enhances and balances the sweetness, helping to bring out the chocolate’s richness and the bananas’ natural flavors, resulting in a well-rounded and harmonious taste.
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
Add the cubed challah bread into the baking dish and gently combine blueberries throughout the bread cubes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla and almond extract, lemon zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring the bread is soaked.
Step 3 – Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Press down on the bread cubes gently with a spatula to ensure they are fully soaked in the liquid.
Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes so that the bread can absorb the liquid.
Step 4 – Bake Bread Pudding
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 5 – Remove From Oven and Cool
Once done, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Blueberry Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 5 cups Challah bread Preferably use a day-old bread, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
- 4 eggs Use large eggs.
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- zest from one lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- butter or cooking spray Use to grease the baking pan.
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
- Add the cubed challah bread into the baking dish and gently combine blueberries throughout the bread cubes.Whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt In a separate bowl. Mix until well combined.Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring the bread is soaked.
Step 3 – Transfer to Baking Dish
- Transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.Press down on the bread cubes gently with a spatula to ensure they are fully soaked in the liquid.Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes so that the bread can absorb the liquid.
Step 4 – Bake Bread Pudding
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 5 – Remove From Oven and Cool
- Once done, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Ingredients to Add to this Recipe
- Vanilla Icing: Drizzle it generously over the cooled pudding for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation that’ll make your dessert irresistible.
- Nutmeg: For a cozy spice that adds depth and warmth to the pudding.
- Chopped Nuts: For more texture and nutty flavor, add pecans or almonds.
- Rum or Brandy: To infuse the pudding with a subtle boozy richness.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For serving alongside the pudding, adding a creamy contrast to its soft texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sprinkled on top before serving for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
- Orange Zest: For an alternative citrus twist that pairs beautifully with blueberries.
- Dried Fruit: Such as cranberries or raisins, to add extra bursts of sweetness and chewiness.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist that adds a hint of exotic flavor and texture.
- Chocolate Chips: For those who love a decadent touch, adding a rich and indulgent element to the pudding.
Other berry recipes you might enjoy!
Hey, thank you for trying out my blueberry bread pudding recipe! I hope it brings some delicious summer flavors to your table!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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annie diamond
This is a wonderful dessert using summer blueberries!
annie diamond
Janine, what a wonderful summer recipe using fresh blueberries. I love a bread pudding, but often think of it in the fall, summer bread pudding using challah bread looks and sounds delicious!