I haven't made this recipe in years, but I don't remember it being really heavy. How does this compare with your recipe?
BREAKFAST BREAD PUDDING
Butter, for greasing the pan
1 Loaf any type of day old bread
1 ½ Cups dried or fresh fruit (raisins, apricots, cherries, cranberries)
½ Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)
1 ½ Cup Sugar
6 Large Eggs
1 tsp Cinnamon
5 Cups Milk or Half & Half
2 Tbl Vanilla
Butter the bottom and sides of a 13x9 baking dish & cover bottom with cubes of bread. Sprinkle the top with fruit. Top with nuts, if desired. In a medium bowl, combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, milk & vanilla; whisk to blend. Pour over the casserole & press down so all the bread is covered. Cover & refrigerate overnight. In the morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover pan with foil and bake covered 45 minutes. Uncover & allow to brown for a few minutes. Cut & serve with maple syrup. Serves 8