Easy Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe : The Ultimate Holiday Dessert

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Looking for a dessert that combines comfort and elegance? This Cranberry Bread Pudding is your answer. With tart cranberries, sweet golden raisins, and a vanilla bean custard that melts in your mouth, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this bread pudding delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Bread pudding has been a beloved comfort food for generations, and this cranberry version brings a festive twist to the classic. The combination of French baguette, fresh cranberries, and aromatic vanilla creates layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread Pudding

This recipe checks all the boxes for an ideal dessert. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions. The custard base, enriched with heavy whipping cream and whole milk, creates an incredibly moist texture that’s never dry or dense. Golden raisins add natural sweetness while tart cranberries provide the perfect counterbalance.

What makes this recipe exceptional is the vanilla bean. Unlike vanilla extract, real vanilla beans infuse the custard with intense, aromatic flavor that permeates every bite. The touch of lemon zest brightens the overall taste profile, cutting through the richness and adding complexity.

You’ll need a quality oven to achieve the perfect golden-brown finish, and having reliable mixing bowls makes preparation effortless. A good whisk from your kitchen utensils set ensures the custard comes together smoothly without lumps.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s explore what makes this cranberry bread pudding so special:

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Milk	3 cups	Creates custard base
Heavy whipping cream	1 ½ cups	Adds richness and moisture
White sugar	¾ cup	Sweetens custard
Eggs	5	Binds ingredients and sets custard
Lemon zest	1 ½ teaspoons	Brightens flavor
Kosher salt	1 ½ teaspoons	Enhances all flavors
Ground cinnamon	¼ teaspoon	Adds warmth
Vanilla bean	¾ bean	Infuses aromatic flavor
French baguettes	1 ½ loaves	Provides structure
Golden raisins	½ cup	Adds sweetness
Cranberries	1 cup	Provides tart contrast
Butter	2 teaspoons	Greases dish

The French baguette is crucial because its sturdy crumb structure absorbs the custard without falling apart. Day-old bread works even better than fresh because it soaks up liquid more efficiently. You’ll want to cut your baguette using sharp chef’s knives on a stable cutting board for clean, even slices.

Heavy whipping cream is what transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary. The fat content creates a silky, luxurious texture that regular milk alone cannot achieve. Don’t skimp on this ingredient it’s worth every calorie.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Custard

Start by whisking together your milk, heavy whipping cream, white sugar, eggs, lemon zest, kosher salt, cinnamon, and vanilla bean seeds in large mixing bowls. Use a quality whisk from your kitchen utensils collection to ensure everything combines smoothly. The mixture should be completely homogeneous with no streaks of egg white visible.

Fold in your baguette slices, golden raisins, and fresh cranberries. Make sure every piece of bread gets coated with the custard mixture. This is where patience pays off let everything soak for a full 40 minutes. This resting time allows the bread to absorb maximum liquid, resulting in that signature custardy interior.

Baking to Perfection

While your bread soaks, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the butter to thoroughly grease a 12-inch deep-dish pie dish. Don’t skip this step proper greasing ensures easy serving later.

Transfer your soaked bread mixture to the prepared dish, making sure to distribute the cranberries and raisins evenly. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod. Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil this traps steam and prevents the top from over-browning while the interior cooks.

Bake covered for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This two-stage process ensures the custard sets completely while developing that beautiful golden-brown top layer. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding

Choose the Right Bread: French baguettes provide the ideal texture, but challah, brioche, or sourdough also work beautifully. Avoid soft sandwich bread it becomes mushy rather than custardy.

Don’t Rush the Soak: That 40-minute soaking period is essential. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes is the absolute minimum. Longer is actually better some bakers soak overnight in the refrigerator.

Temperature Matters: Bring your eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t blend as smoothly and can result in an uneven custard.

Test for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, you’re done. If liquid custard oozes out, bake for another 5 minutes.

Having accurate measuring cups and spoons set ensures your ratios are correct every time. Precision matters in baking, and proper measurements lead to consistent results.

Variations and Substitutions

Different Fruits: Swap cranberries for fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples. Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots work wonderfully in place of golden raisins.

Flavor Twists: Add a tablespoon of orange zest along with the lemon for a citrus boost. A splash of rum or brandy in the custard adds sophisticated depth for adult gatherings.

Dietary Adjustments: Use whole milk instead of cream for a lighter version, though the texture will be less rich. Coconut cream can substitute for dairy cream if needed.

Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a cup of white chocolate chips for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry bread pudding shines when served warm, about 10 minutes after coming out of the oven. The custard firms up slightly as it cools, making it easier to slice while remaining wonderfully creamy inside.

Top with freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A dusting of powdered sugar adds visual appeal for holiday presentations. For an extra-special touch, serve with crème anglaise or brandy butter sauce.

Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the bread pudding up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting from cold.

What if I don’t have a vanilla bean?
Substitute 2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla extract. Add it to the custard mixture after whisking the eggs to prevent the alcohol from cooking off prematurely.

Why is my bread pudding soggy?
This usually happens when the bread hasn’t soaked long enough or when you use bread that’s too fresh. Ensure your baguette is at least one day old and give it the full soaking time.

Can I freeze bread pudding?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

How do I know when it’s fully cooked?
The center should be set and slightly firm when gently pressed. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh provides better texture and tartness. If using dried, reduce the amount to ⅓ cup and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first, then drain before adding.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe successfully, you’ll want to have these essential tools on hand:

• Oven – For baking to golden perfection
• Mixing Bowls – For combining custard ingredients
• Kitchen Utensils – Including a quality whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For precise measurements
• Chef’s Knives – For slicing the baguette
• Cutting Board – For safe prep work

The Perfect Holiday Dessert

Cranberry bread pudding embodies everything we love about holiday baking. It’s comforting yet elegant, easy yet impressive, and uses simple ingredients to create something truly memorable. The tart cranberries against sweet custard, the contrast between crispy edges and creamy center every element works in harmony.

This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create restaurant-quality desserts at home. With just a few pantry staples, fresh cranberries, and quality bread, you can deliver a showstopper that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone satisfied.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning a Christmas feast, or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this cranberry bread pudding delivers. Make it once, and it will become a permanent fixture in your holiday dessert rotation.

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