There’s something magical about transforming simple kitchen staples into a warm, soul-satisfying dessert. Fruit Bread Pudding is one such recipe that takes humble bread, ripe fruits, and a few pantry basics to create a comforting, delicious treat. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or impress guests with a cozy dessert, this pudding ticks all the boxes.
🍎 What is Fruit Bread Pudding?
Fruit Bread Pudding is a baked dessert made by soaking cubed or sliced bread in a custard mixture and layering it with fresh or dried fruits. The mixture is then baked until golden brown and slightly crisp on top, while soft and creamy inside. It’s a brilliant way to use day-old bread and leftover fruit — and still get a five-star dessert on the table.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make 6–8 servings of this delightful pudding:
🥯 Main Ingredients:
- 6–8 slices of stale bread (white, brown, or brioche)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing the dish
🍓 Fruits (fresh or dried):
- ½ cup chopped apples
- ½ cup banana slices
- ½ cup berries (blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries)
- ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
👨🍳 How to Make Fruit Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prep the Bread
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and lightly toast them for better texture.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and add the bread pieces evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Fruits
- Layer chopped fruits over the bread in the baking dish.
- You can mix fruits with the bread or add them as a separate layer for a neater presentation.
Step 4: Pour the Custard
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and fruit. Press down gently so that the bread absorbs the liquid.
Step 5: Let It Soak
- Let the pudding sit for 15–20 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak in the custard fully.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Step 7: Serve
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled, with a drizzle of cream, honey, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pudding
- Use stale or toasted bread for better texture and absorption.
- Avoid watery fruits like watermelon.
- Don’t overbake — the pudding should be just set and soft in the middle.
- Let it rest before slicing to hold its shape.
If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a modern twist, Fruit Bread Pudding deserves a place on your menu. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and a beautiful way to reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious dessert.
Whether you’re preparing it for a festive celebration or a casual family dinner, this pudding will have everyone asking for seconds!
