Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce
Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a delightful dish that beautifully blends the comforting qualities of bread pudding with the zesty brightness of fresh fruits and citrus. This recipe is not only easy to make but also evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Imagine serving it warm, the luscious, creamy pudding melded with juicy berries, all drizzled with a vibrant orange sauce. It’s the perfect dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself. Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe that will surely become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick and easy dessert that tastes fabulous and pleases a crowd, look no further! Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is naturally satisfying and offers a wonderful way to use up day-old bread while highlighting the delightful flavors of berries. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this recipe is accessible for even beginner home cooks. Not only does it come together in about an hour, but its warm, hearty texture combined with the refreshing sauce is a comforting treat that the entire family can enjoy.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to preparing this scrumptious Wild Berry Bread Pudding:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: Use any type you love; the drier, the better, as it absorbs the creamy mixture beautifully.
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen): Juicy and vibrant—choose blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a burst of flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Creamy and rich, this forms the base of your lovely pudding.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetness that complements the tartness of the berries.
- 4 large eggs: These will provide structure and richness to your pudding.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This aromatic spice perfectly enhances the fruity flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Brightens the flavors with a fresh, citrusy touch.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Adds tanginess and a lovely complimentary flavor to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the orange sauce for a velvety finish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the sauce, making it extra indulgent.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing the baking dish ensures that your delectable pudding comes out perfectly and easily.
Step 2: Create the Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. Then, gently fold in the cubed bread and mixed berries, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the bread and berry mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll notice the top turning golden brown and the edges pulling away slightly from the sides, signaling that it’s time to take it out!
Step 4: Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the bread pudding is baking, you can whip up the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat while continuously stirring until the mixture thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes. It should become glossy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Once your Wild Berry Bread Pudding is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the warm orange sauce generously over each serving. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors!
Tips & Tricks
- For an even more indulgent version, consider adding a touch of heavy cream to the milk for extra richness.
- If you’re a chocolate lover, you can fold in some dark chocolate chips with the berries for an added twist!
- Allow your bread to dry out a bit before using it; this helps it absorb more of the custard mixture for a richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce can be served on its own, but it pairs excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert experience. This dish is also perfect for brunch, served alongside warm coffee or tea, or as a sweet ending after a family dinner.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of this bread pudding has approximately 250-300 calories. It provides a balance of carbohydrates from the bread and natural sugars from the berries. Consider enjoying this dessert in moderation as part of a well-rounded meal that includes fruits and proteins to keep it balanced.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store, allow the bread pudding to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you’d like to change it up, consider using other fruits like apples or peaches, or even experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut. Each variation brings a unique touch to this classic dessert!
Conclusion
With its delightful mix of ingredients and easy preparation, Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a must-try recipe that you’ll want to share with friends and family. We encourage you to give this scrumptious dish a go and experience the joy it brings to your table. Don’t forget to share your experience and any variations you try!
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought bread instead of day-old?
Yes! While day-old bread is preferred for its ability to absorb the custard, fresh bread can be used. Just toast it lightly to help it dry out a bit.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bread pudding mixture a day in advance and bake it before you are ready to serve.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety and ensure that your other ingredients, like the cornstarch, are also gluten-free.
4. What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or commercial egg replacer for similar results.
5. Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This recipe is family-friendly and can be a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen. They can help mix the ingredients or sprinkle in the berries!
Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce
Ingredients
Bread Pudding Base
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread Use any type you love; the drier the better.
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen) Choose blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries.
- 2 cups milk Creamy and rich.
- 1/2 cup sugar For sweetness.
- 4 large eggs Provides structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds fragrant warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Enhances fruity flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
Orange Sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest Brightens flavor.
- 1/4 cup orange juice Adds tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch Thickens sauce.
- 1 tablespoon butter Adds richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread and mixed berries until evenly coated.
Baking
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Orange Sauce
- While the bread pudding is baking, combine the orange juice, zest, sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Serving
- Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving, and drizzle the warm orange sauce over each serving.