If you are craving a dessert that brings together the cozy comfort of bread pudding with the bright, tangy burst of fresh fruit, you will absolutely adore this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe. This dish is a dazzling celebration of flavors and textures, where soft, custardy brioche mingles with vibrant wild berries, capped off by a luscious, citrusy orange sauce that adds just the right amount of zing. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe delivers a heartwarming experience that feels like a sweet, stylish hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable dessert. Each component plays a starring role — from the fluffy day-old brioche, which soaks up the custard beautifully, to the wild berries that burst with freshness and color, all the way to the bright, tangy orange sauce that ties everything together.
- 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread: Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without becoming mushy.
- 2 cups mixed wild berries (fresh or frozen): These add a natural tartness and stunning color contrast.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the pudding and create that silky custard texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Whole milk enriches the custard, giving it a creamy base.
- ½ cup heavy cream: A touch of cream amps up the pudding’s richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the berries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes that complement the berries perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle spice that adds depth and warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- For the orange sauce:
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh): Fresh juice ensures bright, vibrant citrus flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce to balance the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for the perfect drizzle consistency.
- 1 tablespoon cold water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Provides an intense orange aroma and flavor burst.
How to Make Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your pudding won’t stick and makes for easy serving later. Evenly spread the cubed brioche or French bread in the dish, then scatter your mixed wild berries on top. Don’t worry about mixing them in; the berries will meld beautifully as it bakes, creating little pockets of sweet-tart surprise.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined. This luscious custard mixture is what transforms the bread into a tender, creamy delight. The spices and vanilla add subtle but essential layers of flavor that make each bite come alive.
Step 3: Pour Custard Over Bread and Let It Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid — this soaking time, about 10 to 15 minutes, is crucial for that perfect, custardy texture everyone loves in bread pudding. Resist the temptation to skip this step, as it makes all the difference.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and the top develops a gorgeous golden brown color. The smell during baking is pure heaven — sweet, warm, and inviting, promising a comforting dessert that’s worth the wait.
Step 5: Prepare the Orange Sauce
While the pudding bakes, make the bright and tangy orange sauce. Combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then whisk it into the simmering juice. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Off the heat, stir in the butter and orange zest for a buttery, aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the berry pudding.
Step 6: Serve Warm with a Generous Drizzle
Let the orange sauce cool slightly, then drizzle it generously over warm slices of your bread pudding. The combination of the warm, soft pudding with the zesty, shiny sauce is nothing short of magical — a perfect ending to any meal or a decadent treat any time of day.
How to Serve Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only makes the dish pop visually but also enhances the flavor experience. Consider dusting the pudding with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing contrast to the warm, sweet custard. A few extra fresh berries scattered on top can also add bursts of color and tang.
Side Dishes
This pudding shines on its own, but if you want to create a full dessert spread, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream is excellent. Both bring a cooling creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding and citrus sauce. For brunch, a cup of strong coffee or a floral herbal tea complements it wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the bread pudding in individual ramekins topped with orange sauce right before bringing it to the table. This makes for a charming, personalized dessert presentation. You could also layer the bread pudding and sauce in clear glasses with fresh berries for a stunning trifle-inspired treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe, any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pudding and the sauce in separate containers to help maintain the best texture. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the pudding gently and warm the sauce for drizzling.
Freezing
This bread pudding freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the pudding’s soft and custardy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place pudding slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying it out. Warm the orange sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and drizzle over the pudding before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah gives the richest texture, you can substitute with day-old French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread. Just ensure it’s slightly stale to properly absorb the custard without turning mushy.
Do I need to thaw frozen berries before baking?
No need to thaw frozen berries before adding them to the pudding. Adding them frozen helps prevent the pudding from becoming too soggy and retains more of the berry’s natural juices and flavor during baking.
Can I make the orange sauce in advance?
Yes! The orange sauce can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency.
Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or gelatin. It’s a delightful option for a vegetarian dessert that doesn’t compromise on indulgence.
Can I add nuts or other toppings to the pudding?
Definitely! Toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds make excellent crunchy toppings to add texture and flavor. Sprinkle them on before baking or just before serving for a delightful contrast to the creamy pudding.
Final Thoughts
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe is one of those irresistible desserts that feels both sophisticated and incredibly homey at the same time. Every time I make it, I find myself amazed by how such simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create such a show-stopping treat. I truly hope you’ll give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate berries, bread, and a splash of citrus in one unforgettable dish.
Print
Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Wild Berry Bread Pudding with Orange Sauce is a comforting and luscious baked dessert combining the rich custard-soaked brioche with fresh or frozen wild berries. Topped with a bright, zesty orange sauce, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness, ideal for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread
- 2 cups mixed wild berries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Bread and Berries: Evenly spread the cubed day-old brioche or French bread in the prepared dish, then sprinkle the mixed wild berries evenly over the top, distributing fruit for balanced flavor throughout.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread Mixture: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and berries in the baking dish. Press the bread lightly with a spatula to ensure it absorbs the custard fully. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes for thorough soaking.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, combine orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, stir cornstarch into cold water until smooth, then whisk this mixture into the simmering orange juice. Continue stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and orange zest for a rich, fragrant finish. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm slices of the wild berry bread pudding drizzled generously with the bright and zesty orange sauce for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- If using frozen berries, add them directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture and maintain texture.
- Brioche or challah bread works best for a soft and rich texture in the pudding.
- The orange sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
