She Strengthens

Crowd-Pleasing Strawberry Bread Pudding Recipe

When faced with an abundance of fresh strawberries and a hungry crowd to feed, turn to this simple yet impressive strawberry bread pudding recipe. The perfect solution for warm weather gatherings, this dessert combines the sweetness of strawberries with the comfort of bread pudding.

The Perfect Ingredients

To ensure the best results, avoid using frozen strawberries, which can be too watery and prone to falling apart. Instead, opt for fresh strawberries, which will provide natural sweetness and texture to the dish.

A Deliciously Easy Recipe

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings and can be prepared in under 3 hours, including soaking time. With a difficulty level of easy, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients:

• 7 large eggs
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 (1-pound) loaf day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• Butter, for coating the baking dish
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar

Preparing the Bread Pudding

Begin by whisking together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Add the bread cubes and stir to combine, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with butter.

Adding the Strawberries and Baking

Remove the bread mixture from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the diced strawberries and fold gently until they’re evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes.

Finishing Touches

Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Prepare the whipped crème fraîche by chilling a bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes. Whisk all the ingredients together until medium peaks form, then serve immediately with the warm bread pudding.

A Delicious Combination

The crispy edges and creamy center of the bread pudding pair perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the whipped crème fraîche. This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.