Individual Lemon-Blueberry Bread Pudding in Jars
Transform day-old artisan bread into elegant individual desserts bursting with bright lemon and sweet blueberries. These portion-controlled puddings bake in glass jars for a charming presentation that's perfect for dinner parties, brunch gatherings, or special family meals. The cream cheese adds richness while fresh lemon zest brightens the custard base. Served warm with a drizzle of agave-sweetened cream, each jar delivers comfort food sophistication that guests will remember.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rustic artisan bread, crusts included, preferably stale
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cream cheese, or mascarpone cheese
- 3 cups whole milk, I used 2%
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- lemon zest, zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons agave nectar
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven and grease jars, cut bread into cubes and place in large bowl
- 2
Beat eggs and mix in sugar and cream cheese until combined
- 3
Add milk, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice, beat until evenly combined
- 4
Stir in melted butter
- 5
Pour milk mixture over bread cubes, stir until completely soaked, let sit for 20 minutes
- 6
Stir blueberries into pudding mixture, spoon into jars filling half full
- 7
Place jars on baking sheet 2 inches apart, bake until tops are evenly browned
- 8
Remove from oven, rest on clean towel, shake cream with agave nectar and drizzle over puddings before serving
Tips
Use day-old bread for better absorption - fresh bread can become too mushy when soaked in the custard mixture.
Don't overfill the jars as the pudding will puff during baking and could overflow onto your oven.
Let the bread soak for the full 20 minutes to ensure even custard distribution and proper texture.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days, reheat gently in low oven.
Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Serve warm with agave cream drizzle, can be enjoyed at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Fill jars only half full to avoid overflow during baking.
Allow full 20-minute soaking time to prevent uneven texture.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without the jars?
Yes, bake in a greased 9x13 dish for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
What if I don't have cream cheese?
Substitute with mascarpone or increase milk by 1/4 cup for a lighter custard.
How long will these keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days, reheat individual portions in microwave.