If you’ve ever wanted to turn simple leftover bread and fresh berries into a show-stopping dessert, this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s a beautiful blend of comforting, nostalgic flavors with a bright, citrusy twist that will make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. Imagine soft, custardy bread mingled with juicy wild berries, all uplifted by the zing of fresh orange zest and juice, finished with a luscious sauce that ties it all together. Whether it’s a cozy weekend treat or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe never fails to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe is carefully chosen for simplicity and flavor harmony. These essentials combine to bring the perfect creamy texture, fruity burst, and refreshing citrus brightness that make this dish unforgettable.
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed: Using stale bread helps it absorb the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries): These add vibrant color and a sweet-tart pop that balances richness beautifully.
- 2 cups milk: The creamy base that softens the bread and gives the pudding its luscious texture.
- ½ cup sugar: Just enough to sweeten everything without overpowering the natural berry flavors.
- 3 eggs: Eggs bind the custard and provide that silky richness essential to bread pudding.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer that deepens the dessert’s aroma.
- 1 tbsp orange zest: Fresh zest injects a lively citrus note that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp orange juice: Adds gentle acidity and complements the berries with fresh juiciness.
How to Make Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease a baking dish generously. This step ensures your bread pudding won’t stick and will cook evenly to that perfect golden finish we love.
Step 2: Layer Bread and Berries
Place the cubed stale bread inside your greased dish in an even layer. Then, scatter the mixed wild berries right on top, spreading them out so every bite gets a burst of fruity goodness. This layering creates a beautiful texture contrast and color wow that’s sure to impress.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until everything is combined smoothly. This custard is what soaks into the bread and berries, turning them soft, creamy, and flavorful.
Step 4: Pour Custard and Let It Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over your bread and berries, making sure all the bread cubes get nicely soaked. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to absorb those bright orange and sweet berry flavors, setting the foundation for everything to come together in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the pudding is set but still wonderfully soft on the inside.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Warm
Let your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe cool just slightly to firm up a bit. Serve it warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of your favorite accompaniment to enhance the luscious flavors.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries on top, or a small sprig of mint can add that final elegant touch to your bread pudding, making it look even more inviting and adding fresh notes to each bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a smooth scoop of Greek yogurt, providing a cool contrast that balances the warm pudding perfectly. For a brunch option, pair it with lightly spiced chai or a robust coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in cute ramekins for a charming presentation or layering slices between plates with extra orange sauce drizzled on top. For a festive occasion, add a splash of Grand Marnier to the orange sauce to elevate the elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days while maintaining its delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread pudding to enjoy later by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your portion in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts while checking frequently to avoid drying out this delicious treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, you can, but it’s best to dry the fresh bread slightly by toasting it or leaving it out overnight to ensure it soaks up the custard nicely without becoming too mushy.
What berries work best in this bread pudding?
A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries works beautifully, but feel free to use any wild or fresh berries you love for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk, and choose a plant-based whipped topping to maintain that creamy texture and rich flavor.
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
This particular bread pudding features the orange elements directly in the custard, but if you want extra sauce, you can prepare a simple orange glaze in advance and warm it just before serving.
What if I don’t have orange zest or juice?
You can substitute with lemon zest and juice for a different but equally delightful citrus twist, though the unique orange flavor is what gives this dish its signature character.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting, and vibrant dessert like this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe. It’s perfect for sharing, easy enough to whip up on a whim, and sophisticated enough to impress any guest. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and savor every delicious bite that balances luscious creaminess, bright berries, and tangy citrus in one unforgettable dish.
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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 classic bread pudding, featuring a medley of fresh mixed berries and a bright, citrusy orange-infused custard. Perfect for a comforting dessert or a special brunch treat, it combines the sweetness of berries with the zesty aroma of orange, baked to a golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups stale bread, cubed
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer Bread and Berries: Place the cubed stale bread evenly in the greased baking dish. Scatter the mixed berries on top to distribute fruit throughout the pudding.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until fully combined to create a flavorful custard.
- Soak Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries, making sure all the bread pieces absorb the liquid for a moist, rich pudding.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the pudding is set without jiggle.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly, then serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream for added richness.
Notes
- Use stale bread for best texture, as it absorbs the custard better without becoming too mushy.
- You can substitute mixed berries with any other fruits like cherries or diced apples, depending on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, replace milk with almond or oat milk.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully as toppings.
