If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug right from the oven, you’ve got to try this delightful Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe. It marries the rustic comfort of bread pudding with the vibrant pop of wild berries, all brightened by a luscious orange sauce that adds a fresh zing. Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet ending to dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and citrusy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step toward creating this magical dessert. Each ingredient plays a simple but essential role: from the hearty, slightly stale bread that soaks up the custard beautifully, to the bright burst of mixed berries and the citrus notes that make this dish truly unforgettable.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: The foundation that absorbs all those lovely flavors without falling apart.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): Fresh or frozen berries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard base.
- ½ cup sugar: Balances tartness and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- 3 eggs: They bind everything together to create that irresistible custardy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: Gives a fragrant citrus aroma that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tbsp orange juice: Adds freshness and a subtle tangy twist to highlight the berries.
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). Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and to ensure easy serving later on. This simple prep sets the stage for that beautiful golden crust you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Layer the Bread and Berries
Place the cubed stale bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Then scatter the mixed berries across the bread. This layering infuses every bite with bursts of juicy sweetness contrasting the tender bread base.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until everything is fully combined. This custard mixture is the luscious glue that softens the bread and carries all the vibrant citrus and berry flavors.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the custard evenly over your bread and berry layers, making sure the bread is soaked thoroughly. Patting the bread down gently helps absorb the custard so it’s creamy yet firm after baking.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake your pudding for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly—it’s perfect warm, especially when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of that fresh orange sauce.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate presentation and flavor, sprinkle a few fresh wild berries on top right before serving and add a light dusting of powdered sugar. A sprig of mint or a bit of orange zest can also add a lovely, colorful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt. A fresh fruit salad or even a cup of strong coffee makes it an even more comforting treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming touch, serve individual portions in ramekins or vintage teacups, transforming your dessert into an elegant affair. Alternatively, drizzle the orange sauce artistically on each plate for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. This dessert will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its moist texture and vibrant flavors.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freeze the pudding in an airtight container for up to one month. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, so it warms evenly.
Reheating
Reheat servings gently in the microwave or oven until warm but not overcooked, which can dry out the pudding. Adding a little extra orange sauce or whipped cream during reheating can help restore its fresh, sumptuous flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Absolutely! If your bread isn’t stale, you can lightly toast it in the oven to dry it out. This helps it soak the custard without becoming too mushy, keeping the pudding’s texture just right.
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
A sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or a rustic country loaf makes the best base. These types absorb the custard beautifully while holding their shape throughout baking.
Can I substitute other fruits for the mixed berries?
Yes, you can! Peaches, apples, or pears work wonderfully as well, especially if paired with complementary spices or zest. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly to balance the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
With a few tweaks, yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and ensure the bread is dairy-free too. The flavors will still shine through deliciously.
How can I make the orange sauce from the recipe?
The orange sauce is crafted from the orange zest and juice mixed into the custard, but you can enhance it separately by cooking some orange juice with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until it thickens for a more intense drizzle.
Final Thoughts
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and bright, fresh notes that will brighten any day. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection, perfect for sharing with those you love during any season. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this comforting, delightful dish.
Print
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
Description
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a comforting and fruity dessert that combines the richness of a classic bread pudding with the fresh zestiness of mixed berries and orange. Perfect for using up stale bread, this recipe is baked to a golden perfection and served warm with whipped cream, making it an inviting treat for any time of the year.
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Custard Mixture
- 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 the bread pudding from sticking during baking.
- Layer the Bread and Berries: Place the cubed stale bread evenly in the greased baking dish, then scatter the mixed berries on top to ensure every bite has a burst of berry flavor.
- 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 well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread and berries, making sure that all pieces of bread are thoroughly soaked to achieve a creamy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Using stale bread is best as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- You can substitute any fresh or frozen mixed berries based on availability.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread pudding, increase the sugar by up to 2 tablespoons.
- Allow the pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking so it firms up and slices neatly.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness.
