She's taken this long to post and now she's back with ugly photos and even uglier lookin' food?!
I bet that's what you're thinkin', right? Well, this is one of those recipes you'll have to take my word for because, I won't lie, it doesn't photograph well. It's good. Guaranteed to make you lick the bowl, and your fingers... and whatever else the creamy topping happens to land on, because you'll want to savor every last bit of it.
Strawberry ice cream fans, this recipe's for you. It's like a bread pudding, except it's made with a spongy cake (recipe below), and it includes fresh strawberries, and the aforementioned messy creamy topping, of course. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top or eat it right outta the bowl, it's good either way. BUT eat it cold, like right after you've taken your morning jog on another scorching hot day, when you really need a sweet reward for all your hard work. Don't feel guilty, either, this is actually pretty lean...but I can't say it's low in calories ;).
Speaking of sweet rewards, I was recently rewarded for my hard work. 21 hours of intense work. Let's just say, they don't call it labor for nothin'. Here's my sweet reward, and the reason why I've been gone for so long :).
Kitchen notes for Strawberries and Cream Bread Pudding
Quick breads and muffins are done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Let loaves rest in the pan briefly, then finish cooling on a rack so steam does not sog the crust. Day-old slices toast beautifully for breakfast.
Storage: separate layers with parchment if stacking frosted items. Savoury leftovers keep two to three days in the fridge; reheat only once when possible.
Serving ideas: for leftovers of Strawberries and Cream Bread Pudding, rethink the plate — toast slices, fold into a lunchbox, or warm gently and top with yoghurt or a fried egg when the recipe style allows.
Food safety reminder: refrigerate perishable fillings promptly, and when reheating leftovers, bring them to a steaming hot temperature throughout.
Further reading: BBC Good Food baking guidance.