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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. 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. 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms, grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. I like to use butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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! 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! 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 guests!

Cranberry Bliss Orange Bread Pudding

A delightful bread pudding infused with orange and cranberries, perfect for a cozy dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

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
  • 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

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Notes

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