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Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce

A delightful, comforting dessert combining baked bread, mixed berries, and a zesty orange sauce, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bread Pudding, comfort food, Dessert Recipe, Mixed Berries, Orange Sauce
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 425kcal

Ingredients

For the bread pudding

  • 4 cups bread, cubed Use stale or slightly toasted bread for the best texture.
  • 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) Juicy and sweet, bursting with flavor.
  • 2 cups milk Creamy and enriching; it adds moisture to the pudding.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a luscious texture that makes the dessert decadent.
  • 4 large eggs Essential for binding the ingredients together.
  • 1 cup sugar Sweetness to enhance the flavors of the bread and berries.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Aromatic and warm, brings depth to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Provides a warm, cozy note.
  • Zest of 1 orange Brightens the flavor profile and adds freshness.

For the orange sauce

  • 1/2 cup orange juice Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the berries.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Helps thicken the orange sauce for a perfect consistency.
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and mixed berries. Gently toss them together, ensuring the bread is evenly coated with the berries.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and orange zest. Pour it over the bread and berries, ensuring everything is soaked in the custard mixture.
  • Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak. This step allows the bread to absorb the flavors and become tender.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and set, with a slight jiggle in the center.

For the orange sauce

  • Combine orange juice and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Serving

  • Serve warm bread pudding drizzled with orange sauce and dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Choose day-old bread for best results. Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or add nuts for variation. This dessert can be prepared in advance, allowing for easy baking later.