Blueberry Bread Pudding

Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe with Italian Twist | Easy and Delicious

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Blueberry Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the comforting texture of bread pudding. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the classic bread pudding but are looking for a twist with the addition of fresh or frozen blueberries. It's a versatile dish that can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for any season.

History

The concept of bread pudding dates back centuries, with variations found in many cultures around the world. It was originally a means to use up stale bread, thus preventing waste. The addition of fruits such as blueberries is a more modern adaptation, adding a burst of flavor and nutritional value to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

Blueberry Bread Pudding

0.5 cup of melted butter
1 cup of half and half or milk
1.5 cups of sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp of vanilla
2 cups of blueberries
0.5 tsp of ground nutmeg
8 cups of Italian or french bread, cut into 2 inch cubes
1.5 cups of water

How to prepare

Butter an 8-inch round baking pan.
In a bowl, combine butter, half and half, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and nutmeg. Beat until smooth.
Stir in blueberries.
Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
Pour fruit mixture over bread cubes and toss until bread is well moistened.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
Cover the pan with foil.
Cut a piece of foil measuring 2 feet by 1 foot and fold it twice lengthwise to create a strip for moving the pan into and out of the pressure cooker.
In a pressure cooker with a capacity of 5 qt (4.73 liters) or larger, add water and insert the trivet.
Lower the pan onto the trivet using the prepared foil harness.
Close the lid and bring the pressure to the second red ring over high heat.
Adjust the heat to stabilize at the second red ring.
Cook for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and use the natural release method.
Remove the lid.
Lift the pan from the cooker and place it on a wire rack to cool.

Variations

Consider adding a layer of cream cheese mixture before baking for a creamy twist, or mix in other berries for a mixed berry bread pudding. For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Blueberry Bread Pudding turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use day-old bread as it absorbs the liquid ingredients better.

- Gently fold the blueberries into the mixture to prevent them from bursting.

- Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking for a more cohesive texture.

- Covering the pudding with foil during the initial phase of baking helps to keep the moisture in.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Blueberry Bread Pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a lighter option, a drizzle of fresh blueberry sauce can enhance the flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the bread pudding in a water bath can help ensure even cooking and a smooth texture. Alternatively, using a pressure cooker as described in the recipe speeds up the cooking process and retains moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute almond or coconut milk for regular milk and use a plant-based butter alternative. Gluten-free bread can replace regular bread to make this recipe gluten-free.

Make Ahead Tips

Assemble the bread pudding a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a mint leaf for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

A sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a sparkling wine complements the flavors of the Blueberry Bread Pudding. For a non-alcoholic option, a lemonade or a berry-infused iced tea pairs well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Blueberry Bread Pudding contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Blueberry Bread Pudding contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources include sugar and bread, providing energy for the body.

Fats

This recipe contains about 15 grams of fat per serving, mainly from the butter and eggs. Using low-fat milk can help reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

Each serving provides around 6 grams of protein, coming from the eggs and milk. This contributes to muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

Blueberries are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as manganese. Eggs and milk add to the dish's calcium and vitamin D content, supporting bone health.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (milk, butter), eggs, and gluten (bread). Those with allergies should take caution.

Summary

Overall, Blueberry Bread Pudding is a moderately high-calorie dessert with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, thanks to the inclusion of blueberries, eggs, and milk.

Summary

Blueberry Bread Pudding is a versatile and delicious dessert that combines the classic comfort of bread pudding with the sweet tang of blueberries. With options for customization and make-ahead preparation, it's a fantastic choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Blueberry Bread Pudding. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a visit to the local farmers market where I had picked up some fresh blueberries. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, a folded piece of paper fell out onto the kitchen counter. Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it to reveal a handwritten recipe for Blueberry Bread Pudding.

The paper was stained and faded, a testament to the years it had spent tucked away in the pages of the cookbook. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could practically taste the sweet, tart blueberries mingling with the warm, custardy bread. I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients, carefully measuring out the bread cubes, blueberries, sugar, and spices. As I mixed everything together and poured it into a baking dish, the kitchen filled with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

After it had baked to a golden perfection, I took the Blueberry Bread Pudding out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving myself a generous portion. The first bite was pure bliss - the sweet blueberries bursting with flavor against the soft, custardy bread. It was a dessert like no other, and I knew it would become a staple in my recipe collection.

Over the years, I have made this Blueberry Bread Pudding countless times, each batch turning out just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its comforting and indulgent flavors. It has become a signature dish of mine, a go-to dessert for special occasions and everyday treats alike.

As I reflect on how I learned to make this recipe, I realize that it is a culmination of my love for cooking and my appreciation for the traditions passed down through generations. I have collected recipes from various sources - cookbooks, magazines, friends, and family - each one bringing its own unique story and flavor to my kitchen.

The Blueberry Bread Pudding recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories it brings back of that summer day when I stumbled upon it by chance. It reminds me of the joy that cooking can bring, the way it can connect us to our past and create new memories for the future.

As I continue to experiment with new recipes and techniques in the kitchen, I know that this Blueberry Bread Pudding will always have a place on my table. It is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, the moments of anticipation and satisfaction that come from creating something delicious with your own two hands.

So here's to the Blueberry Bread Pudding that started it all - may it continue to bring joy and comfort to all who taste it, just as it has for me. And may the recipe live on, passed down through the generations, a cherished tradition in our family for years to come.