Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the rustic charm of homey bread pudding and the bright, zesty flair of a luscious orange sauce. Imagine tender cubes of French bread soaked in rich custard, studded with juicy wild berries, and baked to golden perfection before being drenched in a glossy, citrusy sauce. Every bite is a delightful mix of warm comfort and fruity freshness—perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing something special. From the pillowy bread to the tart berries and the creamy custard, every element works together to create a dessert that’s both simple and utterly irresistible.
- Day-old French bread (6 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes): The backbone of your pudding, this bread soaks up the custard beautifully, giving the dish its signature texture.
- Mixed wild berries (2 cups – blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): These bring vibrant color and a tangy-sweet burst in every bite.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs are essential for setting the custard, giving the pudding its creamy, rich structure.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Milk creates a tender custard base, balancing richness and moisture.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds luxurious silkiness and depth to the custard.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup for pudding, 1/4 cup for sauce): Sweetens both the pudding and the orange sauce, enhancing the berry flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice and coziness to the bread pudding.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out all the other flavors.
- Orange juice (1/2 cup): The base for your sauce, providing a bright, tangy note.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the orange sauce to a silky consistency.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce, making it smooth and glossy.
- Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon): Packs a punch of citrus aroma and flavor.
How to Make Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps the pudding from sticking and helps get those irresistible golden edges. Setting up your dish and oven at the get-go makes the rest of the process a breeze.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Cut your day-old French bread into one-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread is key; it holds its shape while soaking up the custard without turning mushy. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl, ready to absorb all that creamy goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This rich mixture forms the foundation of your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce, ensuring every bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently stir and let the bread soak for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring each cube is well-coated. This step is what gives the pudding its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Add the Wild Berries
Carefully fold in the mixed wild berries—blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Their bright, tangy flavor balances the rich custard, and their juices swirl beautifully throughout the pudding as it bakes.
Step 6: Transfer and Bake
Transfer the soaked bread and berry mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for uniform baking. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is just set. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the pudding bakes, make the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together orange juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened—about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and orange zest for a silky, zesty finish.
Step 8: Serve Warm with Sauce
Once your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is done baking, let it cool slightly. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the fresh orange sauce on top for a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, sprinkle extra fresh wild berries over each serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a few curls of orange zest add elegance and a pop of color, making your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce look as incredible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Although this dessert stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take it to the next level. If you’re serving a special brunch, consider offering a fresh fruit salad or a pot of fragrant tea alongside to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the pudding in individual ramekins for personal servings at a dinner party. You can also layer the pudding and sauce in clear glasses for a parfait-style presentation, highlighting the beautiful layers of bread, berries, and the glossy orange drizzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors often deepen overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pudding cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil (or use a freezer-safe container). Freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze the orange sauce separately in a small airtight container, so you can reheat and drizzle it fresh when serving.
Reheating
Reheat the pudding in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes for a large portion or just a few minutes for single servings. The orange sauce can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave until pourable again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen berries work wonderfully in Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your pudding.
What type Dessert
Sturdy, slightly stale French bread is ideal, but you can also use challah, brioche, or even sourdough. The key is to use a bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.
Can I make the orange sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the orange sauce up to two days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and warm it gently before serving over your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the milk and cream with your favorite non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter for the orange sauce. The result will still be deliciously satisfying!
How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel just set when gently pressed. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive, Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is sure to win hearts. It’s a joyful celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines the richness of custard-soaked bread with the vibrant flavors of fresh wild berries, all topped with a zesty homemade orange sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and set, this classic American dessert is a delightful way to use day-old bread for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups mixed wild berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Bread and Custard: Place the cubed day-old French bread into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, gently stirring to ensure all cubes are coated. Let this soak for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the liquid well.
- Add Berries: Gently fold in the mixed wild berries into the soaked bread mixture, taking care not to crush the berries.
- Bake Pudding: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pudding is golden on top and the center is set.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine orange juice, granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils and thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in unsalted butter and orange zest until smooth and glossy.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is done baking, serve it warm with the orange sauce drizzled generously on top for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Frozen berries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones, but they should be thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the pudding.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau to the orange sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
