If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes simple, comforting ingredients like day-old brioche and juicy blueberries, transforms them with a luscious custard, and bakes them into a golden, fragrant treat that’s pure joy with every bite. Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a show-stopping dessert, this recipe delivers that perfect blend of soft, sweet, and fruity that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe shines with straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a role in enhancing the flavor, texture, or aroma, making the final dish irresistibly comforting and packed with wholesome goodness.
- Day-old brioche or French bread (6 cups, 1-inch cubes): Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without turning mushy, while brioche adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 1/2 cups): These juicy bursts bring natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color throughout the pudding.
- Large eggs (4): They create the custard that binds everything, lending creaminess and structure.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and moisture, balancing the cream and eggs perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Deepens the custard’s creaminess for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the pudding evenly without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Brings a slight caramel note for warmth and complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the whole dish with a fragrant, cozy aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, comforting spice that complements the blueberries wonderfully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Enriches the custard and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Optional powdered sugar: Perfect for dusting on top for a delicate, snowy finish before serving.
How to Make Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish—this keeps the pudding from sticking and helps develop a crispy edge. Spread your cubed bread evenly across the dish, then sprinkle those bright blueberries on top so every portion gets their sweet tangy burst.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter. This custard magic is what transforms the bread and blueberries into a creamy, rich pudding packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over your bread and blueberries. Then, gently press the bread down with a spatula or clean hands to soak up the liquid fully. Letting it sit for 15 minutes allows the bread to absorb the custard perfectly, so every bite is tender but nicely set.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top has turned an inviting golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen will already tell you this Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe is something special.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the pudding to cool slightly—it will firm up a little as it rests, making it easier to slice. Dust with powdered sugar if you like, then serve it warm to capture that ultimate cozy feeling.
How to Serve Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings can elevate this dish beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a charming snowy effect, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to indulgent heights. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding is such a versatile delight it pairs wonderfully with light sides. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a heartier brunch, crispy bacon or sausage adds a savory contrast that’s truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant touch. Top each serving with toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch and a rustic vibe. Drizzle a warm cream sauce or a simple berry coulis on the side to make your Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe a total showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covered properly, the pudding retains moisture while the flavors continue to meld delightfully over time.
Freezing
This cozy dessert also freezes well! Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for another comforting treat on demand.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes or microwave briefly until warmed through. Adding a little splash of milk or cream before reheating helps maintain that creamy texture and keeps the bread pudding from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or French bread works best for their texture and flavor, you can use other sturdy breads like challah or sourdough. Just ensure the bread is slightly stale so it absorbs the custard well without becoming mushy.
Do I have to use fresh blueberries, or can I use frozen?
Both fresh and frozen blueberries work great. If using frozen, keep them frozen until you add them to the dish to avoid excess moisture making the pudding soggy. This ensures the lovely texture stays intact.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter or oil. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy that cozy comfort.
Is this dish suitable for breakfast or just dessert?
This Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe is wonderfully versatile. It makes a decadent breakfast or brunch option but is equally delicious served warm as a dessert after dinner.
How can I add a crunchy texture to the pudding?
Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds on top before baking. This adds a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft custardy bread and juicy blueberries.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like an old friend—familiar, comforting, and full of heart. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a fantastic go-to for whenever you want to create something special yet effortless. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that cozy, blueberry-filled bliss yourself!
Print
Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy Blueberry Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that combines soft, custardy brioche soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard with bursts of fresh or frozen blueberries. This easy-to-make baked pudding is perfect for a cozy breakfast or sweet treat, topped with a golden crust and optionally dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Bread and Berries
- 6 cups day-old brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional for Serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Bread and Blueberries: Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the blueberries over the top for an even distribution of flavor throughout the pudding.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Combine Custard with Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and blueberries, then gently press down the bread cubes to help them absorb the custard liquid fully.
- Soak: Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard thoroughly for a creamy texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw beforehand to avoid excess moisture that can make the pudding soggy.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm cream for extra indulgence.
