Easy Blueberry Bread Pudding with Creamy Vanilla Sauce Recipe

This post is all about the best blueberry bread pudding—it comes together in no time, tastes unbelievably good, and that vanilla sauce? You’ll crave this recipe every week.

In this post, you’ll learn all about the ultimate blueberry bread pudding, how to make it perfect every time, and a ton of flavor variations to try!

Why You’ll Love This Bread Pudding

• Super easy to make – You’ll have this recipe together in no time.
• Crazy delicious – The perfect balance of custardy and crunchy.
• Vanilla sauce = EVERYTHING – It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want on everything.
• Versatile – Great for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want to indulge.
• Comfort food at its finest – Warm, cozy, and packed with flavor.

What’s Bread Pudding?

Think of bread pudding as the ultimate way to save stale bread from the trash. Instead of tossing it, you turn it into a warm, indulgent dessert. All you need is a custard mix, a few simple ingredients, and that leftover bread becomes something insanely delicious. It’s basically a french toast casserole.

It’s a comforting treat with a soft, pudding-like texture on the inside and a crispy, golden top—perfect for turning those old croissants or brioche into something amazing.

Blueberry Bread Pudding Ingredients:

• Croissants (preferably day-old) – These buttery, flaky croissants soak up all the custard goodness, giving you that perfect mix of soft and crispy. Day-old is best, as they hold up better and soak in more flavor.
• Blueberries (fresh or frozen) – Sweet, juicy blueberries that pop in every bite, adding a fruity burst and beautiful color to the dish.
• Sugar – Just a little bit of sugar to balance the tangy blueberries and make everything taste perfectly sweet. I like the batter to be not too sweet so you can play with the toppings more.
• Milk – The base of the custard that makes everything creamy and smooth, without being too heavy.
• Heavy cream – This is where the richness comes in. A little heavy cream makes the custard luxuriously smooth and decadent.
• Eggs – Eggs help create that creamy, pudding-like texture. They bind everything together, make it rise a bit in the oven, and give you that classic bread pudding feel.
• Vanilla extract – The secret to a warm, aromatic flavor that ties all the other ingredients together perfectly.
• A pinch of salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Bread Pudding:

• Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, creating that perfect, pudding-like texture. Fresh bread can be too soft and won’t soak up as much.
• Layer the Croissants Well – Arrange the croissant pieces in one even layer or have them slightly overlapping. This will help the pudding bake evenly and create that lovely texture.
• Let It Soak – For the best texture, let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Tip: Place a heavy plate or weight on top of the bread while it soaks, so it doesn’t float and gets fully soaked.
• Use a Baking Dish with High Sides – A deeper dish helps the pudding bake evenly, giving you that perfect custard bottom and crisp top.
• Sprinkle Powdered Sugar Before Baking – This will help the pudding get a beautiful golden crust and an extra touch of sweetness on top.
• Check After 35-40 Minutes – If the pudding has developed color but isn’t fully cooked, place a baking sheet loosely on top to prevent over-browning while it finishes baking.
• Rest Before Serving – Let the pudding cool slightly before serving. This helps it set up, making it easier to slice and more flavorful.

Vanilla Sauce Tips:

The vanilla sauce is the perfect finishing touch to this blueberry bread pudding. It’s rich, creamy, and silky smooth, adding that extra layer of texture and flavor. Here’s how to make it just right:

• Dissolve the Cornstarch Completely – Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency. Be sure to whisk it in well to avoid lumps. I like to make sure it’s completely dissolved before I even put it on the stove.
• Cook the Sauce on Low Heat – For the best smooth and creamy texture, cook the sauce on low heat. Stir frequently, and be patient to avoid any curdling or burning.
• Add Vanilla at the End – For the most vibrant vanilla flavor, stir the vanilla extract in at the end of cooking, after removing the sauce from heat.
• Balance the Milk and Cream – If you want a richer sauce, use more butter and cream. For a lighter option, cut back on the butter and use more milk. You can adjust based on your preference.
• Serve the Sauce Warm – The sauce is best served warm but can also be served cold. While it cools, it can develop some texture, so stir occasionally to maintain that smooth consistency.

A Ton of Flavor Options:

One of the best things about this Blueberry Bread Pudding? You can totally make it your own! Whether you swap out the bread, add some new flavors, or top it off with something extra, you’ll never get bored of this cozy treat. Here are some flavor variations to try:

Breads to Use:

• Croissants – Buttery, flaky, and perfect for a rich, custardy texture.
• Brioche – Soft and sweet, adds a lovely richness.
• Challah – Slightly sweet with a sturdy texture that soaks up the custard beautifully.
• French Bread – Classic and sturdy, perfect if you want a bit more chew.
• Sourdough – For a tangy twist that complements the sweetness.

Aromatics to Add:

• Cinnamon – A classic that pairs perfectly with the vanilla custard.
• Nutmeg – Adds a warm, spicy depth.
• Cardamom – For a little Middle Eastern flair.
• Orange Zest – A bright citrusy kick.
• Vanilla Bean – For an extra layer of vanilla flavor.

Toppings:

• Fresh Berries – Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a pop of tartness.
• Chopped Nuts – Almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch.
• Shredded Coconut – For a tropical touch.
• Chocolate Chips – Because who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?
• Powdered Sugar – For a simple, pretty finishing touch.
• Banana Slices – Sweet, creamy, and a perfect pairing with the custard.
• Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream will take it to the next level.

Sauce Options:

• Classic Vanilla Sauce – Rich and creamy, a must-try.
• Caramel Sauce – For a decadent, buttery twist.
• Maple Syrup – Sweet, warm, and cozy.
• Berry Compote – For a fruity, tart contrast.
• Whipped Cream – Light, fluffy, and a perfect pairing.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your ultimate Bread Pudding! If you come up with new flavor options, I’d love to know!

Storage and Freezing Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover blueberry bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.

Cooking with Oli – The Purrfect Kitchen Companion

Oli’s usually glued to my side, curious about everything going on in the kitchen. But today, he was more interested in soaking up the sunlight, leaving me to cook solo. He still kept one eye on me, though, just in case anything exciting happened.

By the way, if you’re wondering where I got those cute teaspoons in the photos, you can find them here: colorful teaspoons.

Now that you’ve got the ultimate blueberry bread pudding recipe, it’s time to dive in! With just a little prep, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dessert in no time. Your kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes, and I’ve shared plenty of tips and flavor ideas to make it your own. Let me know how it turns out, what bread and flavor combo you use, and which sauce you choose. Enjoy!