If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances tangy and sweet with a comforting, cozy vibe, you’re going to love this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe. Imagine tender, custardy bread loaded with bursts of fresh cranberries and fragrant orange zest, all topped with a luscious, glossy orange glaze that just melts in your mouth. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that feels like a hug in dessert form—perfect for festive gatherings or a special treat any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in building a rich, flavorful, and colorful pudding that’s as delightful to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- Thick bread, cubed (preferably day-old brioche): The sturdy texture soaks up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- Fresh cranberries: These add bursts of tartness that brighten the whole dish.
- Milk: Provides the creamy base for the custard, making the pudding tender.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving that classic bread pudding structure.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, warm aroma that complements the spices and fruit.
- Cinnamon, cloves, and allspice: These warm spices add depth and seasonal comfort.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries and spices with sweetness.
- Orange zest: Delivers fresh citrus brightness, elevating the flavors.
- Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create a silky glaze.
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth and sweet orange glaze that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: Gives the glaze a natural citrus punch.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish to ensure your bread pudding won’t stick, making cleanup easier and helping those golden edges come out perfectly.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Cranberries
Spread half of your cubed brioche evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Then sprinkle the fresh cranberries over this bread layer. Follow with the remaining bread cubes, creating alternating layers that ensure each bite has the perfect balance of sweet bread and tart berry.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, granulated sugar, and orange zest until fully combined and smooth. This custard mixture is what breathes life into the bread, soaking every cube with rich flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Custard and Bread
Pour your vibrant custard evenly over the layered bread and berries. Press down lightly to help the bread absorb as much custard as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your pudding is moist, tender, and custardy all the way through.
Step 5: Soak and Bake
Allow the bread and custard mixture to rest for about 25 minutes. This soaking time lets the bread fully saturate and thicken the pudding. Then bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly wobbly.
Step 6: Cooling the Pudding
Take the bread pudding out of the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. It might sink a little in the middle—don’t worry, that just means it’s perfectly cooked and ready for the finishing touch.
Step 7: Whip Up the Orange Glaze
While the pudding cools, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar (starting with one cup), vanilla extract, freshly squeezed orange juice, and optional orange zest. Adjust powdered sugar to get your desired pourable glaze consistency. This glaze is what makes this Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the bright, silky orange glaze over warm slices just before serving. Enjoy the pudding warm or at room temperature, letting the glaze melt slightly into the nooks and crannies of this heavenly dessert.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle a few extra fresh cranberries or a touch of orange zest atop the glazed pudding. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snowy finish that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can make the experience even more indulgent. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or a hot cup of spiced tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, serve the pudding in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic yet elegant look. You can also layer it in a clear glass trifle dish to showcase the vibrant cranberries and custard-soaked bread cubes through the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and improve slightly after resting, making for a fantastic next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to save this scrumptious pudding for later, freeze it before glazing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh glaze.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or oven bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes. Add fresh orange glaze after warming to revive that delightful citrus shine and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old brioche is ideal for its rich flavor and texture, you can substitute challah, croissants, or even sturdy white bread if needed. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.
Are frozen cranberries okay to use instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to your bread pudding to avoid it becoming too soggy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some adjustments, yes. Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the glaze. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Let it soak for those 25 minutes once it’s room temperature before baking. This makes for an easy morning or party prep.
How thick should the orange glaze be?
The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a little more orange juice or melted butter to balance it out.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate seasonal flavors and comfort food at once. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, it’s a dish that brings warmth, cheer, and plenty of happy smiles. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and start baking; this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll return to time and again!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding is a delightful holiday dessert featuring layers of day-old brioche bread and fresh cranberries soaked in a fragrant custard infused with warm spices and orange zest. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious orange glaze, this comforting dish is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 1 loaf thick bread, cubed (preferably day-old brioche, about 12 cups)
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 4 cups milk
- 6 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp orange zest
Glaze
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1–1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra orange flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer bread and cranberries: Spread half of the cubed bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Sprinkle fresh cranberries over the bread, then layer the rest of the bread cubes on top for even distribution.
- Make custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Soak bread with custard: Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and cranberries, ensuring all cubed bread is well soaked. Lightly press the bread down if needed to absorb the liquid.
- Rest then bake: Let the mixture sit for 25 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard. Then bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set, with a slight jiggle.
- Cool the pudding: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. The bread pudding may deflate slightly as it cools – this is normal.
- Prepare orange glaze: While the bread pudding is cooling, whisk together the melted butter, powdered sugar (starting with 1 cup), vanilla extract, orange juice, and optional orange zest. Add more powdered sugar as needed for a pourable glaze consistency.
- Serve with glaze: Drizzle the orange glaze over each slice before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Day-old brioche bread absorbs the custard better and gives superior texture.
- You can substitute frozen cranberries if fresh are not available, just thaw and drain first.
- Allowing the bread to soak for 25 minutes before baking ensures a moist pudding.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk and a vegan butter substitute for the glaze.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more orange juice for thinness.
