Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding

This orange cranberry bread pudding is a fun twist to a classic favorite. Sweet and savory orange and cranberry flavors fill this bread pudding, then it’s topped off with a delicious orange sauce. It’s a fun addition to your traditional Thanksgiving recipes!

Bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts! I mean, who can’t get behind a dessert that also includes bread?? This orange cranberry bread pudding also includes a to-die-for orange cream sauce. I wanted to create a non-traditional dessert around Thanksgiving and I think I found a winner!

Ingredients Needed

To make orange cranberry bread pudding, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 loaf French Bread
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter – divided
• 1 1/2 cup sugar – divided
• 4 eggs – divided
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup fresh cranberries
• 4 Tbsp fresh orange juice (no pulp)
• 1 Tbsp orange zest

How to make orange cranberry bread pudding

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Cut about 3/4 of the French bread loaf into large cubes and add to a large mixing bowl. 
3. Melt 1/4 cup butter.
4. In another mixing bowl, combine the milk, 3 eggs, vanilla, 2 Tbsp. orange juice, 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/2 cup sugar and whisk to combine. Pour mixture over the bread cubes. Mix until the bread is covered, then place the bowl into the refrigerator for at least an hour. 
5. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator. Add in the fresh cranberries and stir once again. 
6. Place six individual ramekin dishes onto a baking sheet. Grease with butter or a non-stick spray (I used coconut oil spray). Spoon the bread mixture into the individual dishes. You’ll want a nice pile of cubes in the dishes (see the pictures). This will allow you to have a crisp top. If there is any remaining liquid in the bowl after removing all the bread, pour over the individual bowls. 
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes. While the bread pudding is baking, make the orange cream sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter on low heat. Add in 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 Tbsp. orange juice and whisk to combine. Add in the orange zest. Slowly cook over low heat, constantly stirring, until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat. Do not allow the sauce to simmer! 
8. Once the bread pudding has finished baking, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with orange cream sauce and serve warm. 

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I bake this as one dessert in a baking dish?

Yes! If you prefer to not use individual ramekins you can grease a 9×9 baking dish and cook it as one whole bread pudding dessert.

Can I make this orange cranberry bread pudding gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in gluten-free bread for the French bread. I will advise you that gluten-free bread tends to not soak up moisture as nicely as regular French or brioche bread. If possible, find a gluten-free French or brioche bread for better consistency.

How can you tell if bread pudding is done?

The best way to test bread pudding is to insert a knife into the middle of the baking dish and if it comes out clean it’s done baking. If not, let it continue to bake until the knife comes out clean.

Can I make orange cranberry bread pudding the day before?

To help cut down on time, you can let the bread soak in the milk mixture overnight. Then, when you’re ready to bake the next day simply proceed with the recipe.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

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Enjoy these other orange and cranberry recipes!

• Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies – a delicious shortbread cookie full of orange and cranberry flavors
• Orange Cranberry Pecan Relish – pairs perfectly with any roasted poultry or pair with a charcuterie board
• Orange Moscato Cupcake – your favorite orange flavors in a Moscato-infused cupcake
• Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake – a simple yet elegant cake

Grab a copy of Gather – A Thanksgiving Cookbook to create a memorable holiday meal!