Easy Strawberry Bread Pudding - Summer Bread Pudding Recipe
Easy Strawberry Bread Pudding - Summer Bread Pudding Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Home Cooking Adventure on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 43 min
Cost: $10.21 total, $1.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brioche or Challah Bread (cut into large cubes)
- 10 oz Fresh Strawberries (washed, hulled and cut into smaller pieces)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla preferred)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 2 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tbsp Powdered Sugar (for dusting before serving)
Instructions
Cube the Bread
Slice the brioche or challah into large, bite‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Bread Cubes
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 300°F
Prepare the Strawberries
Rinse, hull and cut the fresh strawberries into smaller pieces.
Time: PT5M
Grease the Baking Dish
Generously butter a 2‑quart baking dish.
Time: PT2M
First Layer of Bread and Strawberries
Place about half of the toasted bread cubes in the dish, then scatter half of the strawberry pieces over them.
Time: PT3M
Second Layer of Bread
Add the remaining toasted bread cubes on top of the first layer.
Time: PT2M
Make the Custard Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until the mixture lightens slightly.
Time: PT3M
Add Flavorings
Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Milk and Cream
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the custard is smooth.
Time: PT2M
Combine Custard with Bread
Pour the custard evenly over the assembled bread cubes. Use a spatula to press gently, ensuring all cubes are saturated.
Time: PT3M
Top with Remaining Strawberries
Scatter the remaining strawberry pieces over the top.
Time: PT2M
Rest to Absorb
Let the assembled pudding rest for 10–15 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
Time: PT12M
Bake the Pudding
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Time: PT38M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Slightly
Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time: PT10M
Finish and Serve
Dust the warm pudding with powdered sugar and serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free bread, Can be made dairy‑free with plant‑based milk and cream
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Brioche or Challah Bread: soft white sandwich bread, French brioche, gluten‑free bread
- Instead of Fresh Strawberries: frozen strawberries (thawed), fresh raspberries
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable oil
- Instead of Eggs: egg replacer, silken tofu (for vegans, adjust custard texture)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: coconut sugar, maple sugar
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: vanilla bean (scrape seeds), imitation vanilla
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: ground nutmeg, pumpkin spice
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, almond milk (for dairy‑free, adjust richness)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, coconut cream (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: granulated sugar (finely ground), stevia powder
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 2‑Quart Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Toasting the bread cubes to create a sturdy yet absorbent base.
- Allowing the assembled pudding to rest so the custard fully penetrates the bread.
- Baking until golden while monitoring to avoid over‑browning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use day‑old brioche or challah for the best texture; slightly stale bread absorbs more custard.
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the custard for a subtle citrus note.
- For extra flavor, swirl a few spoonfuls of strawberry jam into the custard before pouring.
Troubleshooting
Pudding is dry after baking.
Increase the amount of milk/cream by ¼ cup or extend the resting time to allow more custard absorption before baking.
Top is too browned before the center is set.
Cover the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking to protect the surface.
Bread cubes become soggy and fall apart.
Make sure the bread is toasted first and press the custard gently; avoid over‑mixing the custard.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat in oven before serving.
Room temperature: Not recommended beyond the initial 2‑hour serving window.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the pudding up to the resting step, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10‑15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Strawberry Bread Pudding in American cuisine?
Bread pudding originated as a way to use stale bread in European households and was brought to America by early settlers. Over time, fruit variations like strawberry became popular in the United States, especially in the South, where fresh berries are abundant.
What are the traditional regional variations of bread pudding in the United States?
In the Southern U.S., bread pudding often features bourbon, pecans, or raisins, while New England versions may include apples or maple syrup. Strawberry‑infused versions are common in regions with a summer strawberry harvest, such as California and the Midwest.
How is Strawberry Bread Pudding traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Some families also serve it with a side of whipped cream.
What occasions or celebrations is Strawberry Bread Pudding traditionally associated with in American culture?
Strawberry Bread Pudding is popular for spring and summer gatherings, brunches, and holiday breakfasts such as Easter. Its bright fruit flavor makes it a festive dessert for family reunions and pot‑luck meals.
How does Strawberry Bread Pudding fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of turning simple pantry staples—bread, eggs, and milk—into a rich, indulgent dessert. The addition of fresh strawberries adds a seasonal, fresh twist to a classic comfort dish.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Strawberry Bread Pudding versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include brioche or challah, fresh strawberries, eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Acceptable substitutes are any soft white bread, frozen strawberries, plant‑based milks, or dairy‑free cream alternatives.
What other American dishes pair well with Strawberry Bread Pudding?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a full brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh orange juice.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Strawberry Bread Pudding?
Common mistakes include under‑toasting the bread, not allowing enough resting time for the custard to soak in, and baking at too high a temperature which can dry out the pudding. Follow the toast and rest steps carefully for the best texture.
How do I know when Strawberry Bread Pudding is done cooking?
The top should be golden brown and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The custard should be set and not jiggle excessively.
What does the YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure specialize in?
The YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, seasonal produce, and family‑friendly meals.
How does the YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Home Cooking Adventure emphasizes clear visual cues, minimal equipment, and budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, making classic American comfort dishes like Strawberry Bread Pudding accessible to novice home cooks, whereas many other channels target more advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
