Easiest-ever Citrus Bread Pudding

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Easiest-ever Citrus Bread Pudding brings a zesty twist to a classic comfort dessert. Packed with citrusy brightness and rich, creamy custard, it's a delightful way to use up leftover bread. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients for Easiest-ever Citrus Bread Pudding

The base of this pudding is the day-old bread, which acts like a sponge to soak up the custard, creating a luscious texture. The heavy cream and whole milk add richness and smoothness to the custard, while the granulated sugar sweetens the mix. Eggs help set the custard, giving structure to the pudding. A splash of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note. The stars of the show, orange zest and lemon zest, infuse the dish with vibrant citrusy notes. Raisins introduce a chewy, sweet contrast, and the unsalted butter brushed on top ensures a golden, crispy finish. Lastly, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more citrus flavor, add a splash of orange liqueur to the custard.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup.
  • Stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard well without turning mushy.
  • To prevent over-browning, cover the pudding with foil halfway through baking if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your citrus bread pudding warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries can add a nice touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a cup of Earl Grey tea to complement the citrus notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or even leftover croissants will work beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the pudding up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day.
What if I don't have raisins?
No worries! Substitute with any dried fruit you like, such as cranberries or chopped apricots.

Easiest-ever Citrus Bread Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake your pudding evenly. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish – this helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. This will be the foundation of your custard, so take a moment to ensure it's well-mixed.

Add the eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the milk mixture. Whisk again until everything is well combined. The zest will release its citrus oils, infusing the custard with a refreshing aroma.

Spread the bread cubes evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the raisins over the bread, distributing them as evenly as you can.

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Use a gentle hand to press down on the bread, helping it absorb the liquid. This step ensures every piece of bread is soaked with the delicious custard.

Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding. This will create a beautifully golden and slightly crisp top layer once baked.

Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the bread to soak up more of the custard, ensuring a moist and flavorful pudding.

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and refreshing citrus flavors that elevate traditional bread pudding.
  • A great way to use up day-old bread, making it economical and sustainable.
  • Simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
  • Versatile enough to tweak with your favorite dried fruits or nuts.

Ingredients

8 cups day-old bread cubes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup raisins
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, and salt to the milk mixture, and whisk until well combined.
4. Place the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the raisins evenly over the top.
5. Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding.
7. Let the mixture stand for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Let cool slightly before serving warm.

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