Blueberry Bread Pudding
A delightful blueberry bread pudding featuring tender bread, creamy cheese, and fresh blueberries, topped with warm blueberry preserves. Perfect for brunch or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange half of the bread cubes in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Sprinkle evenly with cream cheese and 1 cup blueberries.
- Top with the remaining bread cubes.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, melted margarine, and maple syrup.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes, pressing them to absorb the liquid.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the covered dish for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until lightly brown and set.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- In a saucepan over low heat, stir together the remaining 2 cups blueberries and blueberry preserves until warm.
- Serve the warm blueberry mixture over the bread pudding.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using brioche or challah instead of French bread. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese for a lighter option. If you prefer a sweeter bread pudding, add a bit more sugar or use a flavored syrup. Fresh blueberries work best, but if they’re out of season, frozen blueberries can be used without thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the blueberry bread pudding warm, drizzled with the warm blueberry mixture for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a brunch option, consider serving it alongside Aunt Thelma's Pound Cake for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover blueberry bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blueberry Bread Pudding contains roughly 1244 calories, with 14g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (33% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding the night before and let it chill in the refrigerator. Just remember to bake it the next day, and it may take a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute melted butter for margarine if you prefer a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Is it possible to use different fruits?
Absolutely! While blueberries are delicious, you can mix in other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even diced peaches for variety. Just ensure the total amount of fruit remains the same.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).