If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, the Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish combines the comforting texture of bread pudding with the vibrant punch of mixed berries and a zesty orange sauce that brings everything to life. Whether it’s an after-dinner treat or a weekend brunch star, this recipe is as simple to prepare as it is spectacular to share. Let’s dive into what makes this bread pudding so irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture in your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: The foundation of the pudding, stale bread soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): Fresh or frozen, these berries provide bursts of tart sweetness that contrast the creamy custard.
- 2 cups milk: This adds richness and helps create the custard that binds all the elements together.
- ½ cup sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- 3 eggs: Essential for setting the custard and adding protein for structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: Brightens the dish with its citrusy fragrance and slight bitterness.
- 1 tbsp orange juice: Adds a fresh, tangy note that lifts the sweetness and complements the berries perfectly.
How to Make Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish well—this ensures nothing sticks, so your pudding comes out perfectly intact and easy to serve.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Berries
Place the cubed stale bread into the greased baking dish in an even layer. Then scatter your mixed berries evenly over the bread. This layering helps the berries meld with the bread as they bake, creating pockets of juicy sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, silky, and well blended. This custard is what gives the bread pudding its luscious texture and bright flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Bread and Berries
Slowly pour the custard over the bread and berries, making sure each cube of bread absorbs some of the liquid. Allowing the bread to soak thoroughly makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a set custard underneath. This transformation is where the magic happens; the top crisps slightly while the inside remains soft and custardy.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let your bread pudding cool for a few minutes. Serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra orange sauce makes for an unforgettable finish.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a few mint leaves adds an elegant touch. These garnishes not only add vibrant color but also enhance the flavor, making your dessert look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit salad. The creamy ice cream balances the tart berries, while fresh fruit adds a refreshing, light contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins or hollowed-out oranges. These presentations make the dish feel extra special for guests or a cozy family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the bread pudding by placing them in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your bread pudding gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the original texture and warmth as if freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh berries are wonderful in this recipe and will provide a bright, juicy flavor. Just make sure to wash and dry them well before adding.
What type of bread works best?
Stale, crusty bread like French or brioche is ideal because it absorbs the custard without turning too soggy, giving the pudding a lovely texture.
Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes! The flavors are mild, sweet, and fruity, making it a perfect family-friendly dessert that even little ones will love.
Can I make the orange sauce separately?
Yes, you can prepare an orange sauce by combining orange juice, zest, sugar, and a bit of butter on the stove until thickened for drizzling over the pudding.
How do I make this dish vegan?
Try substituting the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. Vegan bread will work just as well for soaking up the custard mixture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so warm and inviting about the Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe that makes every bite feel like a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it to be a comforting classic that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weekday treat or a special dessert to impress your loved ones.
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Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a delightful, comforting dessert that combines the tart sweetness of mixed berries with a creamy, custardy bread base infused with fresh orange zest and juice. Baked to a golden perfection, it’s perfect for a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Layer bread and berries: Place the cubed stale bread evenly into the greased baking dish. Scatter the mixed berries evenly over the top of the bread layer to ensure bursts of fruit in every bite.
- Make custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Combine custard with bread and berries: Pour the custard evenly over the layered bread and berries making sure the bread is thoroughly soaked for a rich texture.
- Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best texture as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute the mixed berries with any fruit of your choice like cherries or apples.
- For a dairy-free version, replace milk with almond or oat milk.
- Make sure the pudding is fully set before removing from the oven to avoid a runny center.
- Serve immediately for best taste; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
