Fresh Orange Bread Pudding With Meringue Topping 🍊🍞☁️
Description
Dive into the delightful and aromatic world of this Fresh Orange Bread Pudding with Meringue Topping, a luscious dessert that perfectly balances the zesty sweetness of oranges with the comforting softness of bread pudding. This dish is an absolute treat for your taste buds, making it an ideal choice for brunches, potlucks, or simply as a sweet indulgence any time of the day. Not only is it a kid-friendly recipe, but it also brings a touch of citrusy freshness to your dessert table. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together and create a dessert that’s bound to impress and satisfy!
Preparation and Cooking Times ⏱️
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 10 minutes |
Ingredients 🌟
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For the Bread Pudding:
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Cornstarch: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Salt: 2/3 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 quart (divided)
- Butter: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Oranges: 2 large (peeled and segmented)
- Bread Cubes: 4 cups (preferably from a day-old loaf)
- Orange Peel: 1 tablespoon (grated)
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For the Meringue:
- Egg Whites: 4 large
- Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions 📋
Preparing the Bread Pudding:
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Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that it reaches the right temperature by the time you are ready to bake. -
Assemble the Pudding Base:
Place the peeled and segmented oranges and the bread cubes into a 1-quart casserole dish. Ensure that the bread cubes are evenly distributed, and the oranges are nestled comfortably among them. Set this aside as you prepare the custard. -
Create the Custard:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid any lumps.In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and gradually add 1/4 cup of the milk, blending it until smooth. Pour this egg mixture into the saucepan with the dry ingredients.
Gradually stir in the remaining milk, ensuring a smooth consistency. Place the saucepan over very low heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon (approximately 10 minutes). Be patient and stir consistently to prevent the custard from curdling or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Infuse Flavors and Combine:
Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat. Add the butter, grated orange peel, and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter has melted and all ingredients are well combined.Pour the hot custard over the bread cubes and orange segments in the casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution. The custard should soak through the bread cubes, infusing them with its rich flavor.
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Bake the Bread Pudding:
Place the casserole dish into a larger baking pan filled with hot water, reaching halfway up the sides of the casserole dish. This water bath technique will help the pudding cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the pudding is firm in the center. The top should be lightly browned, and the custard should have set.
Preparing the Meringue:
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Beat the Egg Whites:
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Soft peaks occur when the egg whites are glossy and hold their shape but curl over at the tips when the beaters are lifted. -
Add Sugar Gradually:
Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. This slow addition helps the sugar dissolve completely, resulting in a smooth and glossy meringue.Continue beating until the egg whites form stiff peaks. Stiff peaks stand up straight when the beaters are lifted and do not curl over.
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Flavor and Spread the Meringue:
Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to combine. Carefully spread the meringue over the baked bread pudding, making sure to cover it completely. Use a spatula to create swirls and peaks for a decorative finish. -
Bake the Meringue:
Return the pan with the casserole dish to the oven, still in the water bath. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and set.Keep a close eye on the meringue to ensure it does not burn. The peaks should be a beautiful golden color, adding an appealing contrast to the white meringue.
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Serve:
Once the meringue is perfectly browned, remove the casserole dish from the water bath and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Fresh Orange Bread Pudding with Meringue Topping warm for the best experience.
Tips and Variations 🍽️
- Orange Zest: For an extra burst of orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the custard mixture.
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread like brioche or challah for a richer texture. Day-old bread works best as it soaks up the custard more effectively.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like berries or peaches if oranges are not available.
- Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Information 🍊📊
- Calories: 259 per serving
- Fat Content: 7.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 81.7mg
- Sodium Content: 234.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 43.1g
- Fiber Content: 1g
- Sugar Content: 34g
- Protein Content: 5g
Yield
This recipe yields 6 delightful servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Conclusion 🍊❤️
This Fresh Orange Bread Pudding with Meringue Topping is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the comforting flavors of traditional bread pudding with the bright, zesty notes of fresh oranges and a light, fluffy meringue topping. Its beautiful presentation and balanced taste make it an excellent choice for special occasions or a sweet treat to brighten up any day. Enjoy this delightful dessert, and savor every bite!
