Get ready to fall in love with a holiday-worthy treat that’s both comforting and irresistibly zesty: the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe. With bursts of tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest tucked into rich, custard-soaked bread cubes, this dessert is pure magic for your tastebuds. It’s delightfully easy to assemble, perfect for using up day-old bread, and sure to leave your kitchen smelling like a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking to impress at brunch or bring warmth to a chilly evening, this recipe is just the thing to add a bit of sparkle to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe? It leans on just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays its own delicious role, adding sweetness, tang, richness, and a touch of color that makes every bite memorable.
- Bread cubes (6 cups day-old French or brioche): Stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully, giving the pudding a perfectly soft-yet-structured texture.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): These little gems add pops of tartness and gorgeous color to each bite; if using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Zesting an orange right before mixing infuses bright, fresh flavor that elevates the whole dessert.
- Whole milk (2 cups): The foundation of your silky custard, making it pleasantly creamy without being too dense.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds richness and a tender crumb that feels extra indulgent.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetness is key to balancing the tart cranberries and enhancing the citrus notes.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs set up the custard and hold all those lovely bread cubes together.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors with a comforting aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Just enough spice to make each serving feel cozy and festive.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch brings all the sweet and tangy flavors into sharper focus.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Poured over before baking, this creates an irresistible golden, buttery top.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×9-inch (or similar) baking dish. This step will help ensure that your pudding lifts out easily once baked, making serving a breeze!
Step 2: Combine Bread Cubes, Cranberries, and Orange Zest
In a large bowl, toss together your bread cubes, cranberries, and vibrant orange zest. This simple mix is the heart of the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe, setting up every spoonful for bursts of texture and flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar dissolves—this custard will soak into the bread and bring everything together in the oven.
Step 4: Soak the Bread Mixture
Pour the custard over the bread cubes and gently stir to coat, being careful not to mush the bread. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread can fully absorb all that luscious custard. This ensures a pudding that’s both moist and cohesive.
Step 5: Transfer and Top with Melted Butter
Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top—this will help the top bake up beautifully golden and add extra richness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding is set and the top is gloriously golden. Let it cool slightly before serving, although sneaking a warm bite is strongly encouraged!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of silky vanilla sauce makes this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe feel even more special. For a simple and elegant touch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few extra orange zest curls will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Pair with a cozy mug of coffee or spiced tea to highlight the warm flavors of cinnamon and citrus. If you’re serving it for brunch, a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side creates a balanced and satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pudding in individual ramekins for a personal touch or cut into neat squares for a buffet table. You could even layer slices with whipped cream and candied orange peel for a stunning trifle-inspired dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days without losing its moist, tender texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftovers. Wrap individual portions (or the whole pan) well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until heated through. If you like a crisp top, pop it under the broiler for a minute right at the end.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While French bread and brioche work beautifully in this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe, challah, sourdough, or any sturdy, slightly stale bread will soak up the custard just as nicely.
What if I only have dried cranberries?
Dried cranberries are a great substitute if you can’t find fresh or frozen. Just use a little less (about ¾ cup) since dried fruit is more concentrated in flavor and sweetness.
Could I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. Use dairy-free butter or omit it altogether; the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe will still be delicious.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The center should look set (not liquidy) and give a gentle jiggle, but not slosh, when you shake the pan. The top will be golden, and a knife inserted near the center will come out mostly clean.
Is Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe better served warm or cold?
Both ways are lovely! Warm highlights the deliciously gooey texture, while chilled slices are perfect for a summer gathering or next-day snacking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like homemade desserts for bringing a little joy to your kitchen, and this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe hits all the right notes of sweet, tart, and cozy. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with friends, and make it a new holiday favorite!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and creamy custard with this delectable Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding. This comforting dessert is a delightful way to use up leftover bread and create a festive treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (such as French or brioche)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix bread cubes, cranberries, and orange zest. In another bowl, whisk milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over bread mix, let soak for 10–15 mins.
- Bake: Transfer to dish, drizzle melted butter on top. Bake for 45–50 mins until set and golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
- This pudding can be served warm or cold, and is delicious with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
- Dried cranberries can be used if fresh/frozen are unavailable, adjusting the quantity slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
