- Cut stale bread into rough pieces and layer in a microwave-safe dish. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the bread.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture over the bread.
- Sprinkle blueberries, crushed walnuts, and brown sugar evenly on top.
- Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes (adjust based on microwave wattage). Let stand for 5 minutes to set.
- Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Calories:320 kcal25%
- Energy:1338 kJ22%
- Protein:8 g28%
- Carbohydrates:40 mg40%
- Sugar:20 mg8%
- Salt:200 g25%
- Fat:15 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe – Easy Microwave Indian-Style Dessert
Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This microwave bread pudding is unbelievably easy, comforting, and perfect for a quick dessert or even a special breakfast. I first made this when my kids were begging for something sweet after dinner, and I just had to find a solution that didn’t involve a long baking process. This was it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good bread pudding? This version is extra special because it’s unbelievably quick thanks to the microwave. Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes! It’s also a fantastic way to use up stale bread – no more throwing away those last few slices. Plus, the blueberry and walnut combo is just divine. It’s a little bit of Western comfort with a touch of Indian simplicity.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 6-8 stale bread slices (about 200-250g)
- 50 gm butter, melted (that’s roughly 3.5 tablespoons)
- 500 ml milk (about 2 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp corn flour (or cornstarch)
- 0.25 cup sugar (about 50g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 125 gm blueberries (about 1 cup)
- 0.25 cup crushed walnuts (about 30g)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Don’t worry about fancy breads here. Any stale bread works beautifully – white, wheat, even a little bit of leftover pav. It’s all good!
I love using corn flour (cornstarch) because it’s readily available in most Indian kitchens and does a fantastic job of thickening the custard. It’s a simpler alternative to some of the more traditional thickening agents.
And finally, this recipe is all about adapting Western flavours to suit Indian tastes. The blueberries add a lovely sweetness, and the walnuts give a nice crunch. It’s a delightful fusion!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- First, tear or cut your stale bread into rough pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect! Layer them in a microwave-safe dish.
- Drizzle that melted butter all over the bread, making sure every piece gets a little love.
- In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, corn flour, sugar, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. No lumps allowed!
- Pour this lovely custard mixture over the bread, ensuring it soaks in nicely. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the blueberries, crushed walnuts, and brown sugar evenly over the top.
- Pop it into the microwave on high for 8-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on your microwave’s wattage, so keep an eye on it. You want it to be puffed up and golden brown around the edges.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in. This allows it to set properly and prevents a molten mess!
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the resting time! It really makes a difference in the texture.
- If your microwave doesn’t have a turntable, rotate the dish halfway through cooking for even heating.
- For a richer flavour, you can add a pinch of saffron to the milk mixture.
Variations
This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap the milk for almond or soy milk, the eggs for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and use a vegan butter substitute.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free bread! There are some great options available these days.
- Spice Level Adjustment: My dadi (grandmother) always added a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to her bread puddings. It adds a lovely warmth. Try about ¼ teaspoon!
- Festival Adaptation: This is a lovely dessert to serve during Christmas or New Year. You could even add a sprinkle of festive sprinkles on top.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread pudding warm, and it’s heavenly all on its own. But if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks pretty!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions:
Is this recipe suitable for a quick breakfast? Absolutely! It’s a comforting and satisfying way to start the day.
Can I use different types of berries instead of blueberries? Yes, definitely! Raspberries, strawberries, or even mixed berries would work beautifully.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract? What can I substitute? You can use a pinch of cardamom powder or a tiny drop of almond essence instead.
How can I tell if the bread pudding is cooked through in the microwave? The pudding should be puffed up and golden brown around the edges. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out mostly clean.
Can I prepare this bread pudding ahead of time? You can assemble the pudding up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a couple of minutes to the microwave cooking time when you’re ready to bake it.
Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!