If you have a soft spot for cozy desserts that warm your heart and delight your taste buds, this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Imagine tender cubes of brioche soaked in a spiced custard, studded with tart cranberries, and finished with a luscious citrus glaze that brightens every bite. It’s an irresistible blend of comforting richness and vibrant freshness, perfect for cozy family gatherings or a festive treat at any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are simple yet incredibly important, each bringing a unique flavor, texture, or splash of color that makes Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe so special. From the soft brioche giving a buttery base to the zesty orange enhancing brightness, these essentials combine beautifully.
- Thick bread, cubed (preferably day-old brioche, about 12 cups): The backbone of the pudding, providing a soft and tender texture after soaking up the custard.
- Fresh cranberries (1 1/4 cups): These add tartness and bursts of juicy color throughout the pudding.
- Milk (4 cups): Creates a creamy custard that gently softens the bread.
- Eggs (6): The binder that holds everything together and gives structure to the pudding.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp for custard + 1/2 tsp for glaze): Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the citrus perfectly.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings a cozy, spiced warmth that pairs beautifully with orange and cranberry.
- Cloves (1/2 tsp): Adds depth and a hint of aromatic spice.
- Allspice (1/4 tsp): Enhances the complex spicing without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the custard, balancing the tart cranberries.
- Orange zest (2 tbsp + 1 tsp optional for glaze): The star of the show, infusing bright, fragrant citrus notes throughout the pudding and glaze.
- Butter, melted (3 tbsp for pudding + for glaze): Adds richness and helps create that wonderful golden crust.
- Powdered sugar (1–1 1/2 cups for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the orange glaze for an irresistible finishing touch.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (2 tbsp): Gives the glaze a lively, tangy kick, brightening the entire dessert.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your pudding won’t stick and helps achieve that perfectly crusted edge we all love.
Step 2: Assemble the Bread and Cranberries
Start by spreading half of your brioche cubes evenly at the bottom of the dish. Then scatter the fresh cranberries across that layer, letting their tartness peek through. Top with the remaining bread cubes to create a lovely layered effect that ensures every bite gets a taste of both bread and berries.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, granulated sugar, and orange zest until smooth. This custard will soak into the bread, infusing it with rich and warmly spiced flavors alongside that unmistakable citrus brightness.
Step 4: Add Custard to Bread
Pour the custard evenly over your layered bread and cranberries. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread into the liquid, helping it absorb all those lovely flavors. This soaking process is key to getting the pudding’s irresistible tender texture.
Step 5: Rest and Bake
Let the mixture sit for about 25 minutes, so the bread thoroughly absorbs the custard. Then bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set with just the slightest jiggle—this means it’s perfectly creamy inside.
Step 6: Cool the Pudding
Once out of the oven, allow your bread pudding to cool for at least 10 minutes. It might deflate slightly as it rests, which is perfectly normal and part of its rustic charm.
Step 7: Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the pudding cools, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar (starting with 1 cup), vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and optional orange zest. Adjust the powdered sugar amount until you reach a smooth, pourable glaze that will beautifully coat each slice.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the luscious orange glaze over warm slices of your bread pudding. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or at room temperature—either way, it’s a showstopper dessert bursting with flavor and comforting charm.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra garnish can elevate this classic dessert beautifully. Consider fresh orange slices or a handful of cranberries on top to mirror the flavors inside. A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely aesthetic and fresh note.
Side Dishes
This cozy dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a holiday brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe in individual ramekins for a special touch, perfect for gifting or entertaining. Another fun idea is to serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or toasted nuts to add texture and contrast for each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, then store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, the flavors deepen, and it reheats beautifully without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cooled bread pudding securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes, then drizzle with fresh orange glaze for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche is ideal for its rich, buttery flavor and soft texture, you can also use challah or French bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up after soaking but not too dense.
Is fresh orange juice necessary for the glaze?
Freshly squeezed orange juice really brings the glaze to life with its brightness and natural tang, but if needed, you can substitute with bottled juice. Just avoid concentrates as they may alter the sweetness and texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping regular milk with your favorite plant-based milk and using dairy-free butter alternatives, you can create a delicious dairy-free version while still enjoying the wonderful flavors of the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe.
How tart will the cranberries be in the final pudding?
The cranberries maintain a bit of their natural tartness, providing a lively contrast to the sweet, spiced custard. If you prefer less tartness, you can toss them with a little sugar before adding.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day to serve warm, ensuring it tastes just as delicious and fresh.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe enough—it brings together cozy textures, vibrant flavors, and a touch of festive sparkle in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly evening or impressing guests at a holiday spread, this dish radiates warmth and joy that’s impossible to resist. So grab your loaf of brioche, fresh cranberries, and bright oranges, and get ready to make memories with every scrumptious slice.
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Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is a delightful blend of tart fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavors baked into a rich, custardy brioche base. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or cozy desserts, it features warming spices and a luscious orange glaze, creating a comforting, festive treat that serves 12.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 1 loaf thick bread, cubed (preferably day-old brioche, about 12 cups)
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
Custard Mixture
- 4 cups milk
- 6 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
Glaze
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1–1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra orange flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, ensuring the bread pudding will not adhere to the sides during baking.
- Assemble the Bread and Cranberries: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle fresh cranberries over the bread, then layer the remaining bread cubes on top for even distribution of fruit throughout the pudding.
- Mix the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, granulated sugar, and orange zest until fully combined and smooth, creating a richly spiced custard base for the bread.
- Add Custard to Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cranberries, pressing lightly if needed to ensure all bread cubes absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Rest and Bake: Let the mixture sit for 25 minutes at room temperature to allow the bread to soak up the custard completely. Then bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is just set with a slight jiggle.
- Cool the Pudding: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes, during which time it may slightly deflate, which is normal.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze: While the pudding cools, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar (starting with 1 cup), vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve a pourable glaze consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over each slice of bread pudding before serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Day-old brioche is preferred for its sturdy texture and rich flavor; fresh bread can be used if toasted slightly to dry out.
- The custard needs time to soak into the bread; don’t skip the 25-minute rest before baking.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze to your preferred sweetness and thickness.
- This bread pudding can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter in the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
