WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking for a warm, cozy dessert that bursts with flavor? You’ll love this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding! The mix of tangy cranberries and zesty orange creates a delightful treat. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you probably have at home. Join me as I share step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure your bread pudding comes out perfect every time. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Delight: This bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food, combining the warmth of stale bread with the sweetness of cranberries and a hint of citrus.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish serves a crowd, making it an ideal dessert for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or potlucks.
- Customizable Goodness: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap cranberries for other fruits to make this recipe your own!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding
To make this tasty dessert, gather these key ingredients:
– 6 cups stale bread (like brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 large orange
– Juice of 1 large orange
– 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful bread pudding. The stale bread soaks up the mixture, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness.
Notes on Ingredient Substitutions
You can customize this recipe with some easy swaps:
– Bread: Use any stale bread, like French or white bread.
– Milk: Almond or oat milk works well if you need a dairy-free option.
– Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
– Cranberries: Dried cranberries can work, but soak them in warm water first.
– Eggs: Flax eggs can substitute if you prefer a vegan option.
Feel free to play around with ingredients to match your taste and needs.
Tips for Selecting the Best Bread
Choosing the right bread is key. Here’s how to pick the best one:
– Stale Bread: Use bread that is at least a day old. Fresh bread can become too mushy.
– Texture: Look for bread with a good crust. This helps hold the pudding together.
– Flavor: Choose bread that has a nice flavor, like brioche or challah. This adds depth to your dish.
With the right bread, your pudding will be a hit! Enjoy the process of making this delightful treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I like to use butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Bread and Cranberries
Now, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 6 cups of stale bread cubes. Use bread like brioche or challah for the best flavor. Next, toss in 1 ½ cups of fresh or frozen cranberries. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix everything gently to coat the bread with cinnamon.
Preparing the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the zest and juice of 1 large orange, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix until everything is well combined.
Combining and Soaking the Mixtures
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cranberries. Gently fold the mixture until all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This soaking time helps the bread absorb the flavors fully.
Baking and Testing for Doneness
Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s baked, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Texture
To get that perfect texture in your cranberry orange bread pudding, focus on the bread. Use stale bread like brioche or challah. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture well. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes for even soaking. After mixing, let it sit for 15 minutes. This step helps the bread absorb all the flavors.
Recommendations for Serving
Serve this dessert warm for the best taste. Dust it with powdered sugar for a nice look. Add fresh cranberries and a slice of orange on top. This gives it a festive feel. For an extra treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm pudding.
Storing Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the pudding for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Warm it up in the oven or microwave before serving. This way, it stays delicious and moist.
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Bread: Stale bread is ideal for this recipe as it absorbs the custard mixture better, resulting in a richer texture.
- Customize Your Fruit: Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples for a unique twist on flavor.
- Let it Soak: Allow the bread to sit in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes to ensure even soaking and a creamy result.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread pudding is perfectly baked, insert a knife in the center; it should come out clean when done.

Variations
Spice It Up: Adding Different Spices
You can make your cranberry orange bread pudding more exciting by adding spices. Try adding nutmeg for warmth. A little ginger can add a nice zing. You can also use allspice for a unique flavor twist. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Each spice brings a new layer to the dish, making it special for your guests.
Fruit Variations: Other Berries or Citrus
While cranberries are a star, other fruits can shine too. You can swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries. They add sweetness and a pop of color. You can also use lemon or lime juice instead of orange. This change gives a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with the bread. Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits!
Alternative Milk Options for Dietary Needs
If you have dairy allergies or prefer plant-based options, there are great milk substitutes. Almond milk is a tasty choice, adding a nutty flavor. Oat milk works well too, giving a creamy texture. Coconut milk can add a tropical twist, but it may change the flavor profile. Use any of these options in the same amount as regular milk. It helps everyone enjoy this dessert!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftover Bread Pudding
If you have leftover cranberry orange bread pudding, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Before serving, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks strange, throw it out.
Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread pudding. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This way, it will last for about 2 to 3 months. Label the bag with the date, so you know when you froze it.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
When you’re ready to enjoy your bread pudding again, reheating it is easy. You can use either the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes.
If using a microwave, place a piece on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check to see if it’s warm throughout. Adjust time as needed. Enjoy your delicious treat!
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but stale bread works best. Stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better. It gives the pudding a nice texture. If you use fresh bread, let it sit out for a few hours. This will dry it out a bit.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
You can tell when the bread pudding is done by checking the top. It should be golden brown. Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. The pudding should also feel firm, not jiggly.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pudding ahead of time. Mix the bread and egg mixture the night before. Cover it and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it the next day. This can save you time for special occasions.
What can I serve with this pudding?
This pudding is great on its own. You can serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar. Add some fresh cranberries or an orange slice for a nice touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well with it too. It adds creaminess and extra flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free bread instead of regular bread. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat!
Cranberry orange bread pudding is a delicious treat. We covered key ingredients, helpful baking steps, and cooking tips. You can swap ingredients if needed and choose the right bread for texture. Remember the variations to make it your own. Storing leftovers properly keeps them fresh for later.
In the end, this recipe is simple and fun to make. Enjoy your dish and watch it impress your guest
Cranberry Bliss Orange Bread Pudding
A delightful bread pudding infused with orange and cranberries, perfect for a cozy dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal
- 6 cups stale bread (like brioche or challah), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large orange zest
- 1 large orange juice
- 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- optional powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubes of stale bread, cranberries, and ground cinnamon. Toss them gently to ensure the bread is coated with the cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, orange juice, milk, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cranberries, gently folding everything together until the bread is thoroughly soaked. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press down lightly to pack it in.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh cranberries and a slice of orange. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream.
Keyword bread pudding, cranberry, dessert, orange
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?