Are you ready to transform ordinary bread into a mouthwatering dessert that's both nostalgic and nutritious? Our Live Well Fruity Bread Pudding is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that turns simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! Perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or when you're craving a delightful sweet treat that's both comforting and packed with flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, tear or cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. Allow bread cubes to sit out for 10-15 minutes to slightly dry out, which helps absorb the custard mixture better.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Add the mixed dried fruits to the bread cubes and gently toss to distribute evenly throughout the bread.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and fruit, carefully folding to ensure all bread pieces are coated and moistened.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and pressing down gently to compact the pudding.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Optional: Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread for the best texture—day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Ensure your bread cubes are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Don't overmix when combining ingredients; gentle folding prevents bread from becoming mushy.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even half-and-half.
- Let the pudding rest after baking to allow it to set properly and develop deeper flavors.
- Experiment with different dried fruit combinations to customize your pudding.
- Check the pudding's doneness by inserting a knife—it should come out mostly clean with a slight moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
