Years ago, during a particularly snowy Christmas Eve, my neighbor knocked on our door with a steaming dish that filled our entire hallway with the most intoxicating aroma. That evening introduced me to the magic of Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding, a Holiday Dessert Recipe that has since become the centerpiece of our family celebrations. This Christmas Bread Pudding transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, combining the tart brightness of cranberries with zesty orange notes in a warm, cuddly dessert that defines comfort food.
What makes this Cozy Comfort Dessert truly special is how it transforms day-old bread into a luxurious treat. Furthermore, it’s incredibly forgiving for busy holiday hosts. The custard base creates silky pockets throughout while the fruit adds bursts of flavor that perfectly balance sweetness and tartness. Additionally, this Family Holiday Recipe feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
This Festive Sweet Dish requires simple yet quality ingredients that work together beautifully:
Bread Base:
- 8 cups day-old brioche or challah, cubed (substitute: French bread or croissants)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (substitute: dried cranberries soaked in orange juice)
- Zest of 2 large oranges
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
Custard Mixture:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (substitute: coconut sugar for deeper flavor)
- 2 cups whole milk (substitute: half-and-half for richer texture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: evaporated milk for lighter option)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (adds warmth)
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
Choose bread with good structure since it absorbs the custard while maintaining texture. Moreover, fresh cranberries provide better tartness than frozen ones, which can become mushy.
Timing
This Easy Dessert Idea requires strategic timing for best results:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes (allows bread to absorb custard)
- Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 95 minutes
Interestingly, this timing is 25% faster than traditional bread pudding recipes because the orange juice helps soften the bread more quickly. Additionally, you can prepare this Warm Holiday Recipe up to 24 hours ahead, making holiday entertaining much easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, arrange the cubed bread in the prepared dish, creating an even layer. Meanwhile, toss the cranberries with orange zest in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the bread cubes.
Create the Custard Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and pale. Gradually add sugar while continuing to whisk, creating a light mixture. Then, slowly pour in the milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Finally, stir in the fresh orange juice, which adds brightness to this Comfort Food Dessert.
Combine and Rest
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cranberries. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all bread pieces absorb the liquid. Subsequently, let the mixture rest for 30 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard completely.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The top should turn golden brown while the center sets but remains slightly jiggly. Additionally, a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve
Allow the pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the custard set properly while maintaining the warm, comforting temperature that makes this dessert so appealing.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Christmas Bread Pudding (based on 12 servings) contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 28g | – |
| Calcium | 165mg | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
The cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C, while the eggs contribute high-quality protein. Moreover, the orange zest adds natural citrus oils that support digestion.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Holiday Dessert Recipe into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor:
Reduce Sugar: Use 1/2 cup sugar instead of 3/4 cup, then add natural sweetness with extra orange zest and a pinch of orange extract.
Lighten the Dairy: Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk or unsweetened almond milk. This reduces calories by approximately 30% per serving.
Boost Nutrition: Add chopped walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and use whole grain bread for extra fiber. Furthermore, fresh cranberries provide more antioxidants than dried versions.
Portion Control: Serve in individual ramekins to naturally control serving sizes. Additionally, this presentation looks more elegant for holiday entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
This Cozy Comfort Dessert shines with thoughtful accompaniments:
Classic Pairings: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The temperature contrast creates a delightful sensory experience.
Elegant Touches: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar. Additionally, garnish with fresh orange segments and whole cranberries for visual appeal.
Beverage Matches: Pair with coffee, spiced tea, or dessert wine. Furthermore, hot chocolate makes an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Breakfast Option: Serve leftover portions the next morning with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors when making this Warm Holiday Recipe:
Soggy Bottom: Always use day-old bread rather than fresh. Fresh bread becomes mushy while stale bread maintains structure. Additionally, avoid over-soaking, which creates an unpleasant texture.
Curdled Custard: Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to separate, resulting in an uneven texture.
Uneven Cooking: Distribute ingredients evenly throughout the dish. Moreover, avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper heat circulation.
Overbaking: Remove from oven while center still jiggles slightly. The residual heat will complete the cooking process without creating a rubbery texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage keeps this Family Holiday Recipe fresh and delicious:
Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen portions keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the entire dish up to assembling, then refrigerate overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding represents everything wonderful about holiday baking. It transforms simple ingredients into a memorable Festive Sweet Dish that brings families together around the table. The combination of tart cranberries, bright orange, and creamy custard creates layers of flavor that satisfy both comfort food cravings and elegant dessert expectations.
Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or preparing a cozy family dinner, this Easy Dessert Idea delivers impressive results with minimal stress. Try this recipe for your next celebration and watch it become a cherished tradition in your household. Share your results and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts!
FAQs
Can I make this bread pudding dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or your preferred plant-based alternative. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche and challah work best due to their rich texture and ability to absorb custard. However, French bread or even croissants create excellent results.
How do I know when it’s done?
The top should be golden brown and the center should be set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted in the center should come out with minimal wet custard.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work well when soaked in orange juice for 15 minutes before adding. You can also use frozen cranberries without thawing.
Follow us on Facebook for fresh recipe ideas!
