Dessert/ Fruit Desserts/ Puddings & Custards/ Recipes

blackberry bread pudding

So, after my fabulous spaghetti dinner on Sunday, I headed home with a loaf of fresh baked bread that we had hardly torn into. What’s a girl to do?

Make bread pudding, of course!

I’ll be the first to admit, sometimes bread pudding seems kind of weird. I made a lot of it when I worked as pastry chef at a yacht club a few years ago because it was a great way for us to use up the extra bread from the night before. The chef I worked for hated wasting food and bread pudding is the ultimate “leftover” dessert.

However, sometimes it still seems weird! I mean, bread? In a pudding? Would the bread be soggy? I hate soggy bread like I hate artificial sweeteners.

But no! The bread isn’t soggy. Like, at all. Instead, it’s sweet and custard-like with sweet blackberries bursting in every bite. I shared it with some friends the other night and Ashley, who had oddly enough never had bread pudding before, hailed it a “poor man’s cobbler”.

Because really, all you need is old bread, eggs, milk and sugar to make this dessert! No spontaneous grocery trips needed.

Just try it. You’ll thank me later.

Blackberry Bread Pudding

serves about 8

Print this recipe!

Ingredients:

~4 cups day old bread, cubed (I used sourdough…make sure you get your bread from a bakery or a bakery section from the store…don’t use regular sandwich bread)

3 cups almond milk (or regular milk. I just happened to use almond and had great results)

1 cup half n half

3 whole eggs

2 egg yolks

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp vanilla extract

8 oz fresh blackberries

1 cup packed brown sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.

In a small pot on the stove, combine the cream and almond milk and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.

Combine the bread cubes, sugar, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour the hot milk over and stir to combine. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Whisk the eggs and egg yolks together in a measuring cup or small bowl. Pour into bowl with bread and milk and whisk well. Add blackberries and mix gently.

Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for one hour until still slightly jiggly but cooked through (bread will be golden brown). Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Time:

1.5 hours

You Might Also Like

  • Molly @ RDexposed
    August 18, 2011 at 4:35 am

    Oh bread pudding. I could bathe in this stuff. Have you had a savory bread pudding? It totally works. Despite hating mushrooms, I inhaled my 1 experience with mushroom bread pudding.

  • Khushboo
    August 18, 2011 at 4:36 am

    That looks fantastic, I love bread pudding and your recipe looks perfectly balanced- carbs in bread, protein in milk and eggs, fruit- that’s all healthy right!

  • Mallory
    August 18, 2011 at 4:38 am

    I love bread pudding, but normally it is a fall/winter dessert…but summer bread pudding, what a great idea! I might give this a shot with the peaches I have hanging around. Thanks for the recipe – have a great day!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    August 18, 2011 at 4:39 am

    What a perfect way to finish off your spaghetti dinner! My uncle used to make the best bread pudding. It had sultanas in it and I could eat it forever. But blackberries sound like a fabulous addition – looks like a great recipe Jenna!

  • sarah (sarah learns)
    August 18, 2011 at 4:41 am

    it’s been a long long time since i last had bread pudding – and i didn’t like it. your photos today make me want to try it again though – it looks delicious!

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
    August 18, 2011 at 4:43 am

    I LOVE bread pudding! I never make it though. Technically, I should really avoid gluten. But I make an exception for bread pudding b/c I just adore it.

    And yours with blackberries in it? NICE!! Plus when is cream, sugar, and vanilla ever a bad thing? 🙂

  • Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance
    August 18, 2011 at 4:46 am

    I’ve never tried bread pudding. Excuse me while I go slap myself.

  • Kathryn
    August 18, 2011 at 4:48 am

    I’ve eaten lots of bad bread puddings which have really put me off but this one looks divine!

  • Elisabeth
    August 18, 2011 at 4:53 am

    Oh my goodness. I just received a large bag of blackberries from a friend. I was going to make a pie, but I think I will make this instead. I love bread pudding!

  • Corey @ Learning Patience
    August 18, 2011 at 4:55 am

    i think i just gained ten pounds reading that delicious post…seriously! wow that looked good. xoxo from Trinidad

  • Faith @ For the Health of It
    August 18, 2011 at 4:57 am

    It looks great, thanks to the blackberries, even though I’m usually in the no-pudding camp…and that goes for ANY pudding – bread, rice, tapioca…

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    August 18, 2011 at 4:59 am

    i used to hate bread pudding because i was scared of the soggy bread factor…but then i actually tried it and loved it! it’s definitely one of my favorite desserts ever now, especially when it’s done well!

  • Becki @ Becki's Whole Life
    August 18, 2011 at 5:01 am

    I love bread pudding. I am up in NY visiting family and blackberries are in season so this is very timely. Sounds wonderful!

  • Lauren at Keep It Sweet
    August 18, 2011 at 5:10 am

    I love bread pudding but never thought of it as a summer dessert. Great idea to make it with blackberries!

  • ami@dashofcurry.com
    August 18, 2011 at 5:24 am

    I never used to like bread pudding because I thought it would be too eggy for me, but my husband ensured me I would love it because I typically love pudding-y desserts. We finally ordered some, and I fell it love! It’s almost like you don’t know there’s bread in there when made correctly. Your recipe looks so yummy– it will be a great one to use when making my own first bread pudding ever!

  • Kelly
    August 18, 2011 at 5:26 am

    Maybe I just haven’t ever had good bread pudding because it always tastes soggy to me. I hate soggy bread…I hate the texture. Kind of like Tres Leches…ick.

    • Baking N Books
      August 18, 2011 at 7:06 am

      I’m the same way with Tiramisu – I can’t get over the soft-like texture? Or maybe it was just the kind I had…

  • Erika @ The Teenage Taste
    August 18, 2011 at 5:26 am

    Mmmm…I love bread pudding! I was *this close* to making some the other day, but then my mom insisted on using our leftover baguette bread for sandwiches. *Sigh*

  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    August 18, 2011 at 5:44 am

    I’ve never had a fruity bread pudding before! YUM sounds and looks amazing 🙂

  • Cait's Plate
    August 18, 2011 at 5:53 am

    I’ve never been able to get my mind wrapped around bread pudding (something about the texture) but this one actually looks really delicious. Perhaps I’ll try it (and of course thank you later 😉 )

  • Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter)
    August 18, 2011 at 6:03 am

    Poor man’s cobbler- good name!

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
    August 18, 2011 at 6:09 am

    Sounds delicious and perfect for the end of summer. I love making a cinnamon-spiced banana bread pudding during the holidays, and I’ve come to love the crunchy but gooey texture.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    August 18, 2011 at 6:09 am

    I love bread pudding but the problem is, I never seem to have leftover bread! Any decent bread in our house goes QUICKLY!

  • Pippa @ Sunday Suppers with Pippa
    August 18, 2011 at 6:10 am

    Looks great. I love bread pudding, especially chocolate bread pudding with extra chocolate chips thrown in for good measure. My grandmother makes her bread pudding with stale croissants, which is decadent but also delicious.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama}
    August 18, 2011 at 6:21 am

    I am getting blackberries in my CSA box next week, so I’ll have to give this recipe a try. I adore bread pudding.

  • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
    August 18, 2011 at 6:25 am

    You totally read my mind today. I JUST cut up a day-old baguette and was wondering what I was going to do with it…thanks for the inspiration. 🙂

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary)
    August 18, 2011 at 6:34 am

    I just tossed a half a loaf of bread bc I didn’t know what to do with it. 🙁 …yesterday.

  • Bev Weidner
    August 18, 2011 at 6:34 am

    I remember having bread pudding for the first time in my life on a cruise ship as a kid and thinking, WHAAAAAATIIIIIIISSSSTHHIIIIISSSSSSSSSCRAAAAPPP?

    but now I love it.

    the end.

  • Brenna
    August 18, 2011 at 6:48 am

    I love bread pudding, and blackberries! Seems amazing.

  • katie @KatieDid
    August 18, 2011 at 7:10 am

    I’ve never once had bread pudding, is that strange? Its not that it doesn’t look good but it was just never something made in my family growing up. It looks surprisingly delicious though!

  • Vanessa
    August 18, 2011 at 7:14 am

    Thanks for posting this, i never had bread pudding before because i thought it would be soggy bread!!! I might just have to try it one day!

  • Emily @ Comfortable Home Life
    August 18, 2011 at 7:41 am

    Mmmmm! My grandmother made a sort of french toast bread pudding last time I was home. It was to die for! Love the addition of blackberries in your version!

  • Maija
    August 18, 2011 at 7:54 am

    bread pudding is my sister’s faaavorite dessert and a few weeks ago she made a savory version with cheese + asparagus. I thought it sounded gross at first but it was freakin delicious! You should whip out a savory recipe the next time you have some old bread!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    August 18, 2011 at 8:11 am

    Bread pudding is my FAVORITE!! This looks amazing!

  • Yolie @ Practising Wellness
    August 18, 2011 at 8:25 am

    mmm…bread pudding is my mums absolute favourite dessert…i will be making this for her birthday – or on a “just because you’re an awesome mum” day! hehe…why wait for a special occassion, eh? 🙂 thanks so much for the recipe Jenna! <3 xyx

  • Lili
    August 18, 2011 at 8:25 am

    I know this is a bit late- but in reference to your question yesterday about a good book: I just started reading a book called Freedom by Jonathon Franzen and it is already so good! I haven’t finished it yet but I am really enjoying it and haven’t been able to put it down. Hope you’re able to finish your book on time!

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life
    August 18, 2011 at 8:34 am

    I love when bread pudding has a crispy top – like they took a torch to it to toast the corners of the bread sticking out and caramelize the sugar….yum.

  • maggie
    August 18, 2011 at 8:37 am

    Live changing recipe. I seriously must make this for my Georgia relatives.

    Thanks Jenna!!

    xoxo
    Mybreakfastblog.com

  • ally@girlVFood
    August 18, 2011 at 8:55 am

    I would totally make this if my family didn’t consume ciabatta bread like it was going out of business. By the time I get to it, there’s only a nubbin left. :(!

  • tabitha
    August 18, 2011 at 8:58 am

    It looks divine. Thanks for sharing, new follower your blog has been so fun to read.

    Thanks
    Tabitha
    tabadoo.blogspot.com

  • Maria@La_Piattini
    August 18, 2011 at 9:03 am

    I have never had bread pudding. Kinda crazy, right?! I’ve had a thing for blackberries this Summer though. They sell them at my local Farmer’s Market and are so juicy. I may have to pick some up on Sunday and make this!

  • anna maria
    August 18, 2011 at 9:06 am

    aren’t blackberries so pretty? i had some leftover bread the other night but used it for greek panzanella (also delicious) but perhaps next time will need to make something sweet 🙂 thanks for the great idea!

  • Kathryn @ Flopoodle
    August 18, 2011 at 9:29 am

    Can I thank you before even trying it? 😀 I had blueberry bread pudding once and I still dream about it, so I’m sure this will be even more amazing.

  • Brooke @ BittersweetBrooke
    August 18, 2011 at 9:36 am

    mmmmhhhmmm I love bread pudding. Dare I say I love it more than crisps or cobbler? I think as a total carb and breadoholic bread pudding speaks to me, soft chewy. sweet bread with berries in it, yes please! If only the bread lasted long enough around here for it to get a little stale.

  • Krystina (Organically Me)
    August 18, 2011 at 9:49 am

    The blackberries make this look GORGEOUS.

  • Lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com)
    August 18, 2011 at 10:34 am

    bread pudding is one of my FAVORITE desserts! I usually add kahlua or Bailey’s to it though! And I like fresh peaches with it too! Yummmm!!

    I usually cook it in a muffin tin for individual portions! I’ve nevber tried blackberries, but this looks yummy!

    If you are interested–> http://redheadrecipes.com/?p=8000

  • Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
    August 18, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Bread pudding has to be one of the all-time best comfort foods. I like it best when it’s not too sweet, creamy, buttery and vanilla scented! Love the addition of blackberries, too. Fantastic.

  • Katrina
    August 18, 2011 at 11:08 am

    I’ve always been sort of iffy on bread pudding, but this one looks awesome! I’ll give it a try!

  • Urban Wife
    August 18, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Texture is a big hurdle I have to jump over with bread pudding. I might have to get over it sooner than later because I LOVE LOVE blackberries!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
    August 18, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I love bread pudding! I didn’t eat it for years either because I thought “ew, it’s soggy bread” but I’m glad I finally did try it because it’s delicious and so easy to make 🙂

  • Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise
    August 18, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Looks beautiful! I love the idea of sour dough bread pudding too!

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas
    August 18, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    “I hate soggy bread like I hate artificial sweeteners.” -a girl after my own heart! lol

  • Louisa
    August 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    This is crazy- i just had a bite of leftover bread pudding this morning (it’s not usually my dessert of choice) and was amazed, and immediately began looking for good bread pudding recipes. I just checked your blog for the first time today- what a coincidence! It’s a sign i should make it.

  • Ashley @ The Drunk Squash
    August 18, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    I’ve only ever had savory bread pudding (my boyfriend’s brother makes the most amazing cheese and leek bread pudding), but now I really want to try a sweet version!

  • Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles
    August 18, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Bread pudding is one of my absolute favorites. I was just attacking the blackberry patch up the street last night…Now I know what to do with all those berries!

  • Moni'sMeals
    August 18, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    extra bread= Bread pudding of course, duh! I LOVE Bread pudding, I eat it a lot, just don’t tell my clients, haha. 🙂 But it can be healthier too, and I love that you added berries.

    Great recipe!

  • Alisa
    August 18, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    This looks amazing–I made your blackberry/ginger cobbler the other day. Now, I wonder what I could use as a vegan sub for half and half?

  • Alexa @ Simple Eats
    August 18, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Bread pudding with blackberries? That sounds so good! I love how creamy and sweet the bread gets when it’s soaked in all of that vanilla and sugar 🙂

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    August 18, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    You know what goes good with bread pudding?! Gelati. And lot’s of it 🙂

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    August 18, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    I’ve actually never had bread pudding… but it sounds like it would taste like French toast. Which means it must be good. 😀

  • Kelsey @ aslolife
    August 18, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    I never know what to do with leftover bread, especially since I just cook for two and loaves of bread are usually huge. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed)
    August 18, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    I have never tried to make bread pudding. Yours looks awesome. I might try soon. 🙂

  • Gena
    August 18, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    I actually just posted a blackberry peach skillet cake, and it’s amazing. This looks fab!

  • Allison (Allison's Delicious Life)
    August 18, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    Oddly enough, I never eat bread pudding. I’ve always seen others eat it but it’s never something that I order or make. This looks delicious though, especially because I love blackberry. If I give it a try, I’ll definitely let you!

  • Happy When Not Hungry
    August 18, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    I can’t believe I’ve never tried making bread pudding. This looks fabulous! Will def have to try.

  • Corrie Anne
    August 18, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    I’m a huge bread pudding fan. And blackberries are my favorite type of berry = AWESOME!

  • Christine @ The Pantry Drawer
    August 18, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    that looks like the perfect summer dessert (basically anything with berries)! I’ll definitely have to try this!

  • Wendi Hansen
    August 18, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    YUMMERS!!! This looks so good! I love bread pudding but for some reason, I’ve never attempted to make it at home. I decided I needed to change that so a few weeks ago, I made my very first homemade bread pudding, heavy on the white chocolate and it actually turned out really well. I loved the extra sweetness ooey-gooeyness that the white chocolate brought out but am looking forward to trying your blackberry version (a little more healthier perhaps lol). Thanks girl!

  • Rowan
    August 19, 2011 at 11:58 am

    I just made this right now… Holy crap-ola! It’s SOOO good!

  • Stefanie
    August 30, 2011 at 2:12 pm

    Absolutely beautiful! Looks super good, and it looks like the blackberries help to create a juicy little sauce at the bottom of the baking pan for extra blackberry goodness 🙂

  • Kimberly
    December 27, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Your recipe was delightful! I did not have half and half so I used the rest of the holiday egg nog. The perfect end to a meal on a cold Nebraska night.