If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors, you’ve got to try this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe. It transforms simple stale bread into a luscious, custardy delight studded with juicy wild berries, all brightened up by a zesty orange sauce. The combination of creamy texture, sweet-tart berries, and a citrusy punch makes it an unforgettable treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this magical Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe. Each element is chosen not just for flavor but also for how it impacts texture, color, and that signature balance of sweet and tangy you’ll love.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: Using stale bread is perfect because it soaks up the custard without falling apart, giving you that tender, pudding-like texture.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): These provide bursts of juicy tartness and vibrant color throughout the dish.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy base for the custard that makes the bread luxuriously soft.
- ½ cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the berries and orange notes without overwhelming.
- 3 eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the pudding its rich, silky consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: This brightens the pudding with fragrant citrus aroma and a slightly tangy bite.
- 1 tbsp orange juice: Adds freshness and a subtle tartness that lifts the custard perfectly.
How to Make Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking dish will ensure the pudding doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect slices.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Berries
In your prepared baking dish, spread an even layer of the cubed stale bread. Then scatter your fresh mixed berries evenly over the bread, ensuring every bite will have those delightful pops of berry goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard
Whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This custard is what brings everything together with its creamy, citrusy soul.
Step 4: Combine
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and berries, making sure all the bread cubes are well soaked. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe so special.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden brown top, and when the custard is set (no longer jiggly), you know it’s ready.
Step 6: Serve
Let the pudding cool slightly to settle before serving. It’s absolutely divine warm, especially when paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra orange sauce if you like.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For a stunning presentation, sprinkle a few fresh berries on top and add a sprig of mint. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch of sweetness and looks like edible snow.
Side Dishes
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt to complement the richness. A fresh fruit salad on the side can also balance the warm, custardy pudding perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins for an elegant dessert or layer it in a trifle dish with extra berries and whipped cream for a visually impressive crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the pudding even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or keep leftovers longer, freeze the bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. A short reheat keeps the pudding moist and soft.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Fresh bread can be used, but slightly stale bread is better at absorbing the custard without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it in the oven at a low temperature for 10–15 minutes to get the desired texture.
What other fruits can I add instead of or with mixed berries?
Feel free to experiment with apples, pears, or stone fruits like peaches and plums, which pair wonderfully with the orange flavor and custardy base.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free whipped cream topping to keep the dessert creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for a convenient and flavorful dessert ready when you are.
How do I make the orange sauce to go with this dessert?
For the orange sauce, simmer fresh orange juice with a bit of sugar and a pinch of cornstarch until it thickens. Drizzle warm over the pudding for an extra citrusy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe truly is a comforting yet vibrant dessert that’s perfect to share with family and friends. Its simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something special, full of bright flavors and satisfying textures. I encourage you to try it soon and watch how it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
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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 twist on a classic dessert, combining stale bread with fresh mixed berries and a fragrant orange-infused custard. Baked until golden and served warm with whipped cream, it offers a perfect balance of fruity freshness and comforting, rich textures.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Custard
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer the Bread and Berries: In the prepared baking dish, evenly layer the cubed stale bread, then scatter the mixed berries evenly on top to distribute the fruit throughout the pudding.
- Prepare the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until the mixture is smooth and fully combined to create a flavorful custard base.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries, pressing lightly if needed to ensure that all bread pieces are well soaked with the custard.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. For best enjoyment, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream to complement the fruity and citrus flavors.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for best texture and absorption of the custard.
- Mixed berries can be fresh or frozen; if using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Orange zest and juice add a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness.
- For a richer pudding, consider substituting part of the milk with cream.
- Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of orange sauce for added indulgence.
