Blueberries are the point of this pudding. A cup and a half are layered with the brioche cubes before the custard goes over, and the last half cup is scattered on top just before baking.
There is no sauce: the berries burst in the oven and streak the custard purple, and a dusting of powdered sugar is the only finish.
How to Make It
Oven and dish
Heat oven to 350°F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Custard whisked
Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt.
Layered and pressed
Layer the bread cubes and 1 1/2 cups of blueberries in the dish, pour over the custard and press gently so the bread absorbs it. Rest 15 minutes.
Berries on top
Scatter the remaining blueberries over the top.
Baked to 160°F
Bake 40 to 45 minutes until set and the centre reaches 160°F.
Cooled and dusted
Cool 10 minutes and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Where the Blueberries Go
Most of the fruit sits inside the pudding, a little on top.
- Layered with the bread1 1/2 cups
- Scattered on top1/2 cup
Both portions come from the same 2 cups of blueberries.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layering the fruit with the bread spreads it evenly through every square.
- Pressing the bread down helps it absorb the custard before baking.
- Keeping some berries for the top gives whole fruit on the surface.
- Cooling for ten minutes lets the juices settle before cutting.
Ingredient Notes
- Blueberries
- Two cups, fresh or frozen; frozen go in straight from the freezer.
- Ground cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon in the custard, a quiet background to the fruit.
- Powdered sugar
- Only a light dusting after cooling.
Success Tips
- Do not thaw frozen blueberries; thawed ones bleed too much into the custard.
- Push any exposed bread cubes down into the custard during the rest.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving so it does not melt in.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm squares on plates with a fork, the blueberries on top facing up.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and warm individual squares before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes. Fresh or frozen both work for the 2 cups.
Is there a sauce?
No. It is finished only with powdered sugar.
