Name: Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cubed brioche, challah, or French bread (slightly stale); 3 eggs; 2 cups milk or half-and-half; ½ cup orange juice; ½ cup sugar; 2 tbsp orange zest; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp melted butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; Handful of sliced almonds or pecans

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If you adore warm, comforting desserts that carry a beautiful burst of flavor, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s a festive twist on a classic favorite where luscious bread cubes soak up a fragrant custard infused with fresh orange zest and juice, then mingle with tart cranberries to create a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy. Baked until golden and irresistible, this dish is cozy enough for a holiday breakfast and elegant enough for dessert. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to recipe for every special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish holds a layer of torn pieces of light brown crusty bread with soft cream-colored insides. Near the dish, there is a blue bowl filled with small, shiny red cranberries. A small pink bowl contains a square piece of pale yellow butter. A red measuring cup is full of white sugar and next to it is a carton of heavy whipping cream with a white cap and red label. Three white eggs lay near a white measuring cup filled with milk, and an orange sits on the white marbled surface in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From rich brioche to the bright notes of orange and the pop of cranberries, these ingredients come together like a warm hug on a plate.

6 cups cubed brioche, challah, or French bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming mushy.
3 eggs: The binding agents that help create a creamy, custardy texture.
2 cups milk or half-and-half: Adds richness and moisture to the custard base.
½ cup orange juice: Infuses fresh, citrus brightness for a zesty twist.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the pudding just right without overpowering.
2 tbsp orange zest: Intensifies the orange flavor with fragrant oils.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
1 tsp cinnamon: Provides subtle spice that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
1 ½ cups fresh or dried cranberries: Offer bursts of tartness that balance the rich custard.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps sweetness in check.
Optional topping: 2 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, handful of sliced almonds or pecans: Creates a deliciously crunchy, caramelized topping to elevate the pudding.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 baking dish generously so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Then, toss your cubed brioche or bread along with the cranberries into the dish. The bread acts like a sponge that will soak up all those wonderful custard flavors in the next steps.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth and slightly frothy; this will help create a light texture. Add in the milk or half-and-half, orange juice, sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. This beautiful custard mixture is where the magic happens, infusing the pudding with citrusy, creamy goodness.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes and cranberries in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula or your hands to help the bread absorb the custard evenly. This soak time is crucial for creating that luscious consistency everyone loves about bread pudding. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to soften perfectly.

Step 4: Add the Optional Topping

If you’re going for that extra layer of texture and caramelized sweetness, brush the pudding’s surface with melted butter. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and your choice of sliced almonds or pecans on top. This step adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the top to turn a gorgeous golden-brown color and the center to be just set with a slight jiggle. The cranberries will soften but still provide those lovely, tart bites amongst the creamy orange custard-soaked bread. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe

A thick square slice of bread pudding sits on a white plate, layered with soft, golden-brown bread chunks soaked in creamy sauce, bright red cranberries scattered throughout, and topped with a glossy white icing that drips slightly over the edges; a black fork holds a bite-sized piece in front of the plate, revealing the soft and moist texture inside, with a white casserole dish slightly out of focus in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe is a showstopper all on its own, but adding a few garnishes can take it to the next level. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm pudding, balancing tartness with sweet creaminess. For an even brighter citrus punch, drizzle some homemade orange glaze or an orange-maple syrup over the top.

Side Dishes

Serve this pudding alongside lightly spiced breakfast sausages or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for brunch. The sweet and tart elements of the bread pudding complement savory, salty side dishes wonderfully, creating an inviting balance that guests will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, bake this pudding in individual ramekins for personal servings that look adorable on the table. Alternatively, turning it into a layering dessert by serving it with layers of mascarpone or whipped cream in a trifle dish adds an elegant touch. The vibrant red cranberries and orange zest make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after resting, so the next day’s serving is often just as delightful. Simply cover tightly to keep moisture in and prevent the bread from drying out.

Freezing

This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe freezes wonderfully, which makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert or breakfast. To freeze, cool the pudding completely and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To warm up leftover portions, microwave individual servings for about 30 to 45 seconds until heated through, or reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes to preserve moisture. Add a splash of cream or a few spoonfuls of orange juice before reheating to revive that fresh custard softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried for the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much excess moisture to the custard. This helps keep the pudding from becoming soggy while still delivering that lovely tart flavor.

Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

You can swap the milk or half-and-half for your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. The custard might be a little lighter but the overall flavor will still shine bright with the oranges and cranberries.

How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

You’re looking for a golden brown top and a custard set in the middle without any wet, runny spots. A gentle jiggle is fine — it will firm up as it cools. If using a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I prepare the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe the night before?

Definitely! Prepare everything the night before by soaking the bread in the custard, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, bake it fresh the next day. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors.

What bread works best for this recipe?

Brioche or challah bread are fantastic choices because their rich, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the custard and cranberries. Slightly stale bread is best to absorb the liquid without falling apart. French bread or even panettone can work wonderfully too.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a comforting yet bright dish to their breakfast or dessert rotation. It’s a delightful marriage of sweet, tart, and fragrant that will warm your home and impress your friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try and experience firsthand why this recipe is a beloved classic with a festive twist.