High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding Recipe

If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of classic French toast but crave a dish that packs a powerful protein punch, you are going to adore this High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding. Imagine a sliceable loaf that melts in your mouth with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, all while delivering over 30 grams of protein per serving without the fuss of standing over a skillet. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a nourishing, crave-worthy breakfast or snack that fuels your day and satisfies your sweet tooth guilt-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding lies not just in how it tastes but how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing nutrition and flavor, creating a custardy, satisfying texture with just the right hint of sweetness and spice.

• High-protein bread: Choose sturdy, protein-rich bread like Dave’s Killer Bread or Carbonaut to form the perfect base that soaks up custard without falling apart.
• Whole eggs: These add rich flavor and help set the pudding’s structure.
• Liquid egg whites: They boost protein while keeping the overall mixture light and tender.
• Plain Greek yogurt: For creamy texture and an extra protein layer that tangibly lifts the custard.
• Vanilla protein powder: Enhances taste and cranks up the protein to make every bite count.
• Plant-based milk: Keeps the custard moist without overpowering the other flavors.
• Maple syrup: Just enough natural sweetness to balance the spices and eggs beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with warm, inviting notes.
• Cinnamon: This classic spice delivers that quintessential French toast aroma and taste you’ll recognize and love.
• Pinch of salt: To round everything out and heighten all the flavors.

How to Make High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare your pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, which makes it so much easier to lift the finished bread pudding out without sticking. This simple prep step sets you up for success and helps the pudding bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, liquid egg whites, Greek yogurt, plant-based milk, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This custard is where the magic begins, combining protein power with all those warm, sweet flavors.

Step 3: Soak the bread

Add your cubed high-protein bread into the custard mixture. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes, gently stirring occasionally so every piece gets fully coated. This soak ensures each bite is perfectly custardy and full of flavor, softening the bread just right without turning mushy.

Step 4: Fill the pan

Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down so everything is compact and bakes in an even layer. This step helps you achieve that golden, slightly crispy top alongside a tender interior that makes this pudding so irresistible.

Step 5: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set without being dry. As it bakes, that amazing aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to wait to dive in.

Step 6: Cool and slice

When the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly to firm up. Then lift it out with the parchment paper and slice into six generous portions. This cooling step is key to getting clean slices that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy

This High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding tastes wonderful warm or cold. Top with fresh berries, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup to add extra flair and deliciousness to each slice.

How to Serve High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes turns a simple slice into a showstopper. Try a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt to add creaminess, fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and brightness, and a light drizzle of warm maple syrup to highlight the sweetness. A dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can also add delightful texture and aroma.

Side Dishes

Pair your High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the custard. For a savory touch, crispy turkey bacon or a side of scrambled eggs complements the sweetness perfectly and keeps the protein party going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your pudding in individual ramekins for a personalized breakfast treat or layer cubes and custard in glass jars for portable, grab-and-go meals. You can also experiment by folding in seasonal fruits or swapping in different protein powder flavors to customize the taste to your liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. Storing the slices separately helps maintain freshness and makes it easy to grab a nutritious slice whenever you need a quick bite.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This pudding freezes well for up to two months, so you always have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through or toast it in a toaster oven for a slightly crisp exterior and soft, custardy center. Either way, you’ll enjoy it almost as fresh as the first time!

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of high-protein bread?

Yes! While high-protein bread boosts the protein content, you can use any sturdy bread you have on hand. Just keep in mind the overall protein per serving will be lower without the specialized bread.

Is it okay to use dairy milk instead of plant-based milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred milk, whether dairy or plant-based. Each provides moisture to the custard but may affect flavor slightly depending on the type.

Can I add fruit into the bread pudding before baking?

Definitely. Folding in blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples adds freshness and a burst of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.

How long can I store the bread pudding in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to four days. This makes it great for meal prepping your breakfasts or snacks for the week ahead.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs and Greek yogurt for its structure and protein, so it’s not naturally vegan. However, you could experiment with plant-based egg substitutes and dairy-free yogurt, keeping in mind the texture and protein content might vary.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightful way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of French toast while fueling your body with protein, this High Protein French Toast Bread Pudding is a total game-changer. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and treat yourself to a slice of healthy comfort you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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