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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Baked Goods

    Easy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe

    Published: May 16, 2019 Updated: May 15, 2019 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 30 Comments

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    A piece of blueberry bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream on a blue plate.

    This skillet blueberry bread pudding recipe is absolutely loaded with blueberries and has lots of flavour from cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest. Delicious with vanilla ice cream!

    Blueberry bread pudding in a cast-iron skillet sprinkled with fresh lemon zest.

    As we are soon headed into one of the yummiest seasons of the year for produce, today I’m sharing one of my fave recipes using Newfoundland’s best: blueberries!

    You may have seen my cast-iron skillet fruit cake bread pudding around here so I thought I’d share a more seasonal version that I know you guys are gonna love! By the way, if you’re a fan of easy bread pudding recipes (like me), there’s more to come!

    This bread pudding recipe isn’t loaded with a lot of refined sugar. Aside from the ยผ cup of sugar and a little jam, this one gets most of its sweetness naturally from those little blue gems.

    I always, always, have blueberries on hand throughout the year thanks to relatives who generously share with me (thanks mom, mom-in-law and pop). Wild blueberries are smaller than mass produced varieties but have way more flavour. They’re sweeter and seriously addictive.

    What Is Bread Pudding?

    Bread pudding is a bread-based dessert (kinda like custard), which usually includes:

    • Bread (usually on the stale/dry side, basically “day old” bread)
    • Milk and/or cream
    • Eggs
    • Sugar
    • Spices
    • Some sort of fruit like raisins or, in this case, blueberries.

    It’s a fabulous way to use up bread that you have lying around without having to waste it!

    Ingredients for a blueberry bread pudding recipe.

    How To Make Bread Pudding

    Full details on how to make this blueberry bread pudding are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    1. Place cubes of bread in a greased skillet.
    2. Sprinkle blueberries over top of bread, getting into those little nooks and crannies.
    3. In a bowl, mix together, milk, cream, eggs,  vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar and lemon zest. The cinnamon will not completely dissolve. This is totally normal for cinnamon; it’s a rebel, LOL.
    4. Pour milk mixture over cubes of bread. Gently press down to help the bread absorb the milk mixture. Don’t press too hard or squish the berries too much. Let sit 10 to 15 minutes.
    5. Dollop with blueberry jam and bake.
    6. Garnish with extra lemon zest if you like. Cool slightly and enjoy!
    Collage of steps to make blueberry bread pudding.

    Best Type of Bread To Use

    I picked up a “country white loaf” from my local grocery, but other varieties work good too (like Brioche and French bread). Just pick a yummy bread that works best for bread pudding.

    I wouldn’t recommend a mass produced sandwich style basic bread, though.

    And don’t go using the freshest bread possible. I know, most times that would totally make sense. However, for a bread pudding recipe, day old bread is best. You want the  bread a little dry because it will more easily soak up the milk mixture.

    If your bread is too fresh and moist, you can still make this bread pudding. Cut bread into cubes (or tear into bite-sized pieces), place on a baking sheet in a 300 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or so and then proceed with the recipe.

    Do I Need to Refrigerate Bread Pudding?

    Yes! This is quite moist, has eggs and milk and all that good stuff, so I would totally recommend storing in the fridge.

    Of course, bread pudding is best enjoyed warm out of the oven with a big scoop of ice cream, but it will last 3 to 4 days properly stored in the fridge (remove from the skillet and store in an airtight container). Reheat leftovers when ready to enjoy.

    Portion of blueberry bread pudding topped with vanilla ice cream on a blue plate.

    More Yummy Berry Recipes

    • Lemon Cream Tarts With Berries
    • Baked Blueberry Donuts
    • Roasted Blueberry Goat Cheese Crostini (so perfect for summer entertaining)

    You can certainly enjoy this blueberry bread pudding as is, but I highly recommended serving some with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. Or, if you really wanna go all out, garnish with a generous spoonful of my homemade lemon curd. Treat yourself! Hope you love it!

    If you make this easy bread pudding recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Blueberry bread pudding in a cast-iron skillet sprinkled with fresh lemon zest.

    Easy Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This skillet blueberry bread pudding is absolutely loaded with blueberries and has lots of flavour from cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon zest. Delicious with vanilla ice cream!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 5 mins
    Soak Time & Cooling Time 40 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 55 mins
    Course Dessert
    Servings 6 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • Baking spray, to grease skillet
    • 5 cups day-old bread (Brioche or French bread works great), cubed (about 8 ounces or ยฝ pound)
    • 2 cups blueberries
    • 1.5 cup milk
    • ยฝ cup heavy cream (whipping cream)
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ยฝ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ยผ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • pinch salt
    • ยผ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon zest, from about 1 lemon
    • โ…“ cup blueberry jam, optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. .
    • Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or use a similarly sized baking dish) with baking spray.
      Note: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a similarly sized casserole or baking dish.
    • To skillet, add bread. Sprinkle berries over top of bread and allow some to naturally fall in between cubes of bread.
    • In a bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar and lemon zest.
    • Pour milk mixture over bread and just GENTLY press bread down to soak up some of the milk mixture. Dollop blueberry jam over top of bread pudding (if using). Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
    • Bake for 65 to 70 minutes until cooked through and set (if it browns too quickly, top with aluminum foil). Check to see if it's done with a wooden skewer (when inserted in the centre of the bread pudding, it should come out clean).
      Note: The bread pudding will rise as it bakes, but fall a little as it cools.  
    • Carefully remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
      Note: Bread pudding is best enjoyed freshly made. However, any leftovers can be properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 3 to 4 days, reheating when ready to enjoy.

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword blueberry cake recipe, easy bread pudding recipe, skillet bread pudding

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen (Back Road Journal)

      May 28, 2019 at 8:50 am

      We had wild blueberry bushes around our apple orchard in New Hampshire and always looked forward to when the berries ripened each summer. Your bread pudding looks great with all those blueberries.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 28, 2019 at 9:33 am

        So awesome, right?! Nothing like wild blueberries! Thank you so much, Karen ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Kelly | Foodtasia

      May 23, 2019 at 1:21 pm

      5 stars
      Dawn, this bread pudding looks so good! I love the crispy edges with the juicy interior and all those blueberries! Your so lucky to have a supply of wild berries. They’re so much tastier!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 24, 2019 at 11:26 am

        I know, right? Newfoundland blueberries are so so yummy! Thank you Kelly ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      May 20, 2019 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      I still have several bags of blueberries in my freezer that we picked last summer! I think it’s time to use them up and make a delicious bread pudding! This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 22, 2019 at 11:02 am

        Yay! Thank you Kathy! Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced

      May 20, 2019 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      I love blueberry season! We’ve still got another month or so before the local berries come in, but you better believe I’ll be coming back to this bread pudding post then. I love a good bread pudding, and the addition of blueberries here sounds delicious! Also, the ice cream is totally not optional! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 22, 2019 at 11:01 am

        Woo hoo! Happy to hear it! Thanks so much, David ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    5. Kevin

      May 19, 2019 at 1:14 am

      5 stars
      Bread pudding hits all those feel good nostalgic flavors and yours is sure one to bring home! Canยดt wait to give this a try!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 22, 2019 at 10:59 am

        For sure! Thanks Kevin! Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    6. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      May 17, 2019 at 10:00 pm

      Bread pudding is such great comfort food! One of my favourite desserts any time of year, but especially nice when made with seasonal fruit like fabulous blueberries ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

        Totally!! Thanks Jennifer!

        Reply
    7. [email protected]

      May 17, 2019 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      I am a huge fan of bread pudding, and anything with blueberries always gets my attention!! This will be on brunch rotation in my house! Have a great weekend, friend! XOXO

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:26 pm

        Same here! Thank you Annie!! Have a great weekend too ๐Ÿ™‚ XOXO

        Reply
    8. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      May 17, 2019 at 12:58 am

      Bread pudding is never something I think to make, but you have totally changed my mind! This looks AMAZING! I love blueberries so much!! This would be such a great brunch recipe! Have a great weekend my friend! XO

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:25 pm

        Thank you Katherine! I’m sure you’ll love it!! Have a lovely weekend too ๐Ÿ™‚ XOXO

        Reply
    9. Valentina

      May 17, 2019 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, this loos so over-the-top incredible! I mean . . . seriously! I always look forward to summer berries and this is one amazing way to use them. I’d have it with my coffee in the morning, and with the ice cream after dinner. Perfect!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

        You’re so kind! Thank you so very much, Valentina! Have a wonderful weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    10. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      May 16, 2019 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      Well, you’ve definitely put me in the summer mood Dawn! I can’t wait for berry season, and local blueberries are definitely the best! My freezer stash ran out a while ago, so it looks like I’m going to have to befriend your relatives this year! ๐Ÿ˜‰ Happy almost long weekend!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

        Lol! Right?? Thanks Leanne! Have a wonderful weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Marissa

      May 16, 2019 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      I love bread pudding, sweet or savory and we eat our weight in blueberries during the summer, so you know this treat is calling my name. Complete with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, of course!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

        Me too! Definitely gotta have ice-cream! Thanks Marissa ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      May 16, 2019 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Bread pudding is one of my all time favorite desserts and i absolutely love the added blueberries and lemon zest! I need a big bowl of this in front of me right now please!!! Mouth = watering! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:24 pm

        Same! Thank you Haylie! Have a great weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    13. Milena

      May 16, 2019 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      I never refuse a bread pudding and I love blueberries so I will be making this recipe soon and eating it right out of the skillet:) Pinned!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:23 pm

        Yay! Hope you love it! Thank you Milena.

        Reply
    14. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      May 16, 2019 at 10:08 am

      5 stars
      Yay for blueberries! They’re one of my favorite fruits so I need to try this bread pudding! I love that it’s mostly naturally sweetened too–my problem with so many fruity desserts is that all the sugar muddles the flavor of the fruit. Why mess with a good thing? Have a great weekend, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:23 pm

        Right?? Thanks Kelsie! Back at ya ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
    15. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      May 16, 2019 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      Bread pudding is one of my favorites Dawn. And I think you know how much I love my blueberries! So this will need to happen soon at our house. Perhaps for brunch for Memorial Day weekend. Love how you didn’t add much sugar to your recipe too. Pinned and can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        May 18, 2019 at 12:23 pm

        So happy to hear that!! Thank you Mary Ann! Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply

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