Imagine a dessert so irresistible that it transforms humble bread into a culinary masterpiece bursting with vibrant berry flavors and a tantalizing orange sauce. This Wild Berry Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it's a magical journey of textures and tastes that will transport you from the first spoonful. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Cut bread into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are slightly stale or lightly toasted for better texture absorption.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold bread cubes into the egg mixture, allowing them to soak for 10 minutes and absorb the liquid.
- Carefully fold in mixed berries, distributing them evenly throughout the bread mixture.
- Transfer the bread and berry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- While the pudding bakes, prepare the orange sauce by whisking orange juice and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
- Heat the orange sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove pudding from oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle warm orange sauce over the bread pudding and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture - it absorbs the custard more effectively.
- For extra richness, consider using brioche or challah bread instead of standard white bread.
- Ensure berries are evenly distributed to get a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Don't overbake - the pudding should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set completely.
- For a more intense berry flavor, mix different types like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
- The orange sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
