Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding: A Sweet Escape into Comfort
Overview
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that turns the traditional bread pudding concept on its head, offering a refreshing twist that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus notes of orange. Despite the common skepticism surrounding bread pudding, this recipe transforms it into a creamy, luscious dish that even the most ardent detractors will find hard to resist. With a preparation time of 30 minutes and a total cooking time of 4 hours, including the necessary soaking period, this recipe yields approximately 10 servings of pure indulgence.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 6 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | 1 ½ cups |
| Milk | 2 ½ cups |
| Butter (melted) | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange zest | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 ½ cups |
| Orange marmalade | 5 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 4 large |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 476.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 30.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 242.6 mg |
| Sodium | 174.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 46.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 42.2 g |
| Protein | 6.5 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This forms the base of your custard, which will envelop the bread and cranberries. -
-
Add Dairy and Flavorings
To the egg mixture, gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, followed by the melted butter, vanilla extract, orange juice (preferably from concentrate), orange zest, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a homogenous blend, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully. -
Incorporate Bread
Next, gently add in the cubed bread, stirring with a spoon to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy mixture. It’s crucial to mix thoroughly at this stage to allow the bread to absorb the custard effectively. -
Soaking Process
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the mixture to soak for a minimum of 1.5 hours. This soaking period is vital, as it enables the bread to absorb all the flavors. -
Stir and Soak Again
After the first soaking period, remove the bowl from the fridge and stir the mixture vigorously to redistribute the bread and cranberries. Recover it and return it to the refrigerator for an additional 1.5 hours, enhancing the flavor profile further. -
Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. -
Add Cranberries
Once the final soaking period is complete, stir the mixture again, then fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pudding. -
Layer the Pudding
Pour half of the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. With a spoon, add dollops of orange marmalade in rows throughout the pudding. Adjust the amount of marmalade to your liking; if you enjoy the sweetness and texture it adds, feel free to increase it. -
Complete the Layers
Carefully spoon the remaining pudding mixture on top, ensuring it fits within the edges of the baking dish. The dish will be quite full, so take care not to spill over the sides. -
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the pudding; if it comes out clean, with no liquid custard clinging to it, your bread pudding is ready. -
Cooling and Serving
For the best texture, allow the pudding to cool slightly, then refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the pudding to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. -
Serve and Indulge
Serve the Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding slightly warm or chilled, and for an indulgent treat, drizzle it with a puddle of lightly sweetened heavy cream, allowing each bite to melt in your mouth. Enjoy this comforting dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of flavors and textures that elevates a humble dish into a truly delightful experience. With its sweet and tart notes balanced perfectly, this pudding is a wonderful addition to any festive table or as a comforting treat during the colder months. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it promises to win over even the most skeptical of bread pudding enthusiasts.
