Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding

cranberryorangebreadpudding Cranberry orange bread pudding combines two flavours that are a match made in heaven. Add this to a light brioche with the sweet sauce and its perfection.

Bread Pudding:
8 oz (3 cups) cubed, stale bread, brioche, challah or plain panettone
2 oz (½ cup) dried organic cranberries or 8 oz of fresh organic cranberries
2-3 Tbsp. Grand Marnier liqueur (substitute hot orange juice for an alcohol free version)
2 eggs
8 oz (1 cup) milk
8 oz (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. orange zest, freshly grated

Sauce:
3 oz (1/3 cup) fresh organic orange juice (for a creamier sauce, use 1/8 cup (1 oz) orange juice and ¼ cup (2 oz) cream)
2 oz (¼ cup) butter
2½ oz (1/3 cup) brown sugar
1 Tbsp. Grand Marnier (optional)

Preheat an oven to 375°F (190°C/170°C fan, Gas Mark 5).

Place the cranberries in a small, deep bowl or mug, and cover with Grand Marnier (or hot orange juice). Let soak for at least two hours, or as long as overnight, if using Grand Marnier.

Put the cubes of bread or brioche into a dish or ramekins which will accommodate them, then sprinkle with the cranberries and liqueur.

In a small bowl or jug, beat the two eggs then add the milk, cream, sugar and orange zest, and continue to beat until all the ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and cranberries.

Allow to soak for about half an hour, then bake for 30-35 minutes or until the pudding is puffed and lightly golden coloured.

While the cranberry orange bread pudding is baking, make the orange sauce by melting the butter in a small pot, then add the brown sugar, orange juice (and cream, if using).

Let simmer for about 5-6 minutes, then remove from heat and add the Grand Marnier.

Serve the cranberry orange bread pudding while still warm, with the warm orange sauce on top.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes:

You can make both parts of the dessert ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 small bowl: Amount per Serving: Calories: 395, Total Fat: 24g, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 6g