Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Dessert with Fresh Blueberries
Introduction: Why Blueberry Bread Pudding Is the Perfect Dessert
Few desserts balance comfort, elegance, and simplicity quite like blueberry bread pudding. This classic baked dessert combines soft custard-soaked bread, fresh or frozen blueberries, and a golden caramelized top, creating a dish that feels both rustic and luxurious.
Whether you’re searching for an easy blueberry dessert recipe, a make-ahead brunch dish, or a warm comfort food dessert, this blueberry bread pudding checks every box. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a holiday table. Best of all, it uses simple pantry ingredients and transforms day-old bread into something extraordinary.
This recipe is inspired by traditional baked puddings but enhanced with real blueberries, vanilla custard, and a lightly crisp top, just like the dessert shown in the image.
What Is Blueberry Bread Pudding?
Blueberry bread pudding is a baked dessert made by soaking bread in a sweet egg-and-milk custard, then baking it with blueberries until puffed, creamy, and lightly crisp on top.
Key Characteristics:
Soft, creamy interior
Juicy blueberry bursts
Golden baked top
Not overly sweet
Can be served warm or cold
It’s often compared to:
Blueberry cobbler
Blueberry baked French toast
Blueberry custard pudding
But bread pudding stands out for its rich texture and comforting flavor.
Ingredients for Blueberry Bread Pudding
Main Ingredients
4 cups day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, not thawed)
3 large eggs
1 ¾ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
½ cup heavy cream (optional but recommended)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Add-Ins
Lemon zest (brightens blueberry flavor)
White chocolate chips
Cream cheese cubes
Almond extract (¼ teaspoon)
Why This Blueberry Dessert Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because of the perfect custard ratio. The combination of eggs, milk, and cream ensures the pudding is:
Moist but not soggy
Rich but not heavy
Sweet but balanced
The blueberries release their natural juices while baking, creating beautiful purple swirls throughout the custard.
Step-by-Step Blueberry Bread Pudding Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. Slightly stale bread is ideal because it absorbs custard without falling apart.
👉 Pro Tip: If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Assemble the Base
Grease individual ramekins or a baking dish with butter. Add a layer of bread cubes, then scatter blueberries evenly throughout.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Milk
Cream
Sugar
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Salt
Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Pour and Rest
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and blueberries. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid.
Let it rest for 15–30 minutes for maximum creaminess.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, until:
The center is just set
The top is golden brown
Blueberries are bubbling
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Blueberry Bread Pudding
This dessert is incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
Serving Ideas:
Warm with vanilla ice cream
Drizzled with maple syrup
Topped with powdered sugar
Served with whipped cream
Paired with Greek yogurt for brunch
It tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheating:
Oven: 325°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 30–45 seconds per serving
Variations of Blueberry Bread Pudding
1. Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding
Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
2. Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread Pudding
Add small cubes of cream cheese between layers for a cheesecake-like texture.
3. Healthy Blueberry Bread Pudding
Use almond milk
Reduce sugar by half
Use whole wheat bread
4. Vegan Blueberry Bread Pudding
Replace eggs with flax eggs
Use coconut milk or almond milk
Use coconut sugar
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving:
Calories: 320
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g
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Frequently Asked Questions (Related Questions for SEO)
Is blueberry bread pudding a dessert or breakfast?
It can be both. Many people serve it as a brunch dish, similar to baked French toast, while others enjoy it as a warm dessert.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes. Frozen blueberries work perfectly. Do not thaw them first, as this prevents excess moisture.
What is the best bread for bread pudding?
Brioche, challah, and French bread are ideal due to their structure and richness.
How do I keep bread pudding from being soggy?
Use slightly stale bread and allow the custard to fully absorb before baking.
Can blueberry bread pudding be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
Is blueberry bread pudding healthy?
It can be made healthier by reducing sugar, using low-fat milk, and adding whole-grain bread.
Can I bake this in individual ramekins?
Yes, individual servings bake beautifully and are perfect for entertaining.
What sauces go well with blueberry bread pudding?
Vanilla custard sauce
Lemon glaze
Maple syrup
Blueberry compote
Final Thoughts
Blueberry bread pudding is one of those timeless, crowd-pleasing recipes that never goes out of style. It’s warm, comforting, visually stunning, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a home baker, food blogger, or simply craving an easy blueberry dessert, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.
