Easy-Breezy Bread Pudding
A comforting bread pudding with fruity sweetness and rich custard flavors, perfect for casual gatherings or family desserts. Easy to customize with your favorite fruits.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the bread in a 9 x 13-inch greased pan.
- Spread the drained fruit evenly over the crumbled bread.
- Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, eggs, and sugar with a hand mixer until creamy.
- In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla.
- Cook until warm but not boiling.
- Pour the warmed milk mixture into the butter, eggs, and sugar mixture. Beat until all lumps are dissolved.
- Pour the mixture over the bread and fruit in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1.5 hours until the pudding is firm in the middle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the milk mixture. You can substitute the fruit cocktail with fresh fruits like apples or berries based on seasonal availability. To reduce sweetness, cut back on sugar or use a sugar substitute. If you have leftover bread, you can use it instead of buns for a heartier texture. This recipe is a great way to use up stale bread or buns.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the bread pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through. For better texture, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to regain some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy-Breezy Bread Pudding contains roughly 1476 calories, with 18g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 716mg per serving (31% 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 a day in advance. Just assemble it in the pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Keep in mind that using non-dairy milk may alter the flavor slightly, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The bread pudding is done when it is firm in the middle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also have a golden-brown top. If it's still jiggly in the center, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
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).