This won't be as rich and custardy as a dessert bread pudding since it uses milk instead of cream. (Have you ever tried peach bread pudding? It's a favorite.) The browned mushrooms add some depth ...

That said, you can sidestep the dried fruit in favor of fresh, as in a peach or strawberry bread pudding. Banana also works well here, paired with its good friend, chocolate chips. Pear, pineapple, ...