If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that bursts with fruity freshness and indulgent sweetness, this Blueberry Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender cubes of day-old brioche soaked in a creamy custard, studded with juicy blueberries and pockets of melted white chocolate, all baked to golden perfection. Finished with a luscious white chocolate sauce drizzled on top, this dessert is both elegant and homey, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. From the richness of the cream and eggs to the fresh burst of blueberries, each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Day-old bread (brioche recommended): Stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy, giving a tender yet structured base.
- Fresh blueberries: Provide juicy bursts of tart sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
- White chocolate chips: Melt into gooey, creamy pockets in the pudding and form the base of the sauce.
- Large eggs: Bind the custard together and add richness.
- Whole milk: Adds just the right amount of creaminess without overwhelming the texture.
- Heavy cream: Enhances the custard’s silkiness and also helps create a decadent sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of blueberries and caramelizes for a golden crust.
- Vanilla extract: Invites warm, aromatic undertones that elevate the entire dessert.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that complements the sweetness wonderfully.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Blueberry Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×8-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking, so your bread pudding bakes evenly and releases effortlessly.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until everything is beautifully combined. This custard is the creamy heart of the pudding, promising softness and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Pour the custard mixture over the cubed day-old brioche and gently stir so every piece is coated. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes to absorb all the custardy goodness, ensuring each bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries and White Chocolate Chips
Carefully fold in the fresh blueberries and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without breaking the berries. This step guarantees bursts of juicy sweetness and luscious melty chocolate throughout your bread pudding.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the soaked, berry-studded bread mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to encourage uniform baking and a perfectly golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is just set. The aroma alone will have you eager to dive in.
Step 7: Prepare the White Chocolate Sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt the white chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat initially for one minute, then stir, and continue heating in 30-second bursts until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds the perfect silky finish.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Sauce
Once baked, serve the bread pudding warm, drizzling the white chocolate sauce generously over the top. The combination of warm custard, juicy berries, chocolate melts, and sweet sauce is utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Blueberry Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are charming and add a pop of color. For an extra touch, a few mint leaves provide a refreshing contrast, making your dessert table look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a lighter balance, serve alongside fresh fruit or a citrus salad to brighten the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bread pudding in individual ramekins for a cozy single-serving charm. Alternatively, use a clear glass baking dish so guests can admire the colorful layers of blueberry and chocolate embed themselves in each bite. Drizzle the white chocolate sauce with a piping bag for pretty, precise lines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, and reheating only enhances its comforting quality.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover bread pudding by wrapping it securely in foil and placing it inside a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
To warm up, place individual portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute or reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Add a fresh drizzle of the white chocolate sauce for that fresh-from-the-oven decadence.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of brioche?
Absolutely! While brioche gives a rich, buttery texture, other sturdy breads like challah, French bread, or even a crusty white loaf will work. Just ensure the bread is a bit stale to soak up the custard perfectly.
Do I have to use fresh blueberries, or can I use frozen?
Fresh blueberries are ideal for optimal texture and flavor, but frozen blueberries can be substituted. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that might make the pudding soggy.
Is there a way to make the white chocolate sauce on the stovetop?
Definitely! Gently heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until warm but not boiling, then remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until melted and smooth. This method gives you great control over the texture.
Can this dessert be made vegan or dairy-free?
With a few swaps, yes! Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives, replace eggs with flaxseed or chia eggs, and choose dairy-free white chocolate. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What is the best way to serve this bread pudding during holidays?
Serve it warm with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg and a festive garnish like sugared cranberries or rosemary sprigs. Pair with a sparkling wine or mulled cider to elevate the celebration.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of homemade Blueberry Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce Recipe to bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion showstopper, this recipe is easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dessert as much as I do!
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Blueberry Bread Pudding with White Chocolate Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blueberry Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert featuring day-old brioche soaked in a rich custard, studded with fresh blueberries and white chocolate chips, then baked to golden perfection. Served warm with a luscious white chocolate sauce, it’s a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 1 loaf day-old bread (brioche works well, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
White Chocolate Sauce
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Soak the Bread: Add the cubed day-old bread to the custard mixture, gently pressing to ensure all pieces are thoroughly soaked. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to fully absorb the liquid.
- Add Blueberries and White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold fresh blueberries and 1 cup of white chocolate chips into the soaked bread mixture, being careful not to crush the berries.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread Pudding: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still moist.
- Prepare White Chocolate Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, combine 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup heavy cream in a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt the Sauce: Heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and serve warm, drizzling with the prepared white chocolate sauce for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread absorbs the custard better, but any sturdy bread can be substituted.
- Make sure not to overbake; the inside should be moist and custardy.
- Fresh blueberries add a fresh burst; frozen can be used but may add extra moisture.
- The white chocolate sauce can be warmed gently before serving if it thickens upon cooling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the microwave or oven.
