Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug during the holiday season, I have just the treat for you. This Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe is pure magic—a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and comforting that’s ridiculously easy to make. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to festive dessert every year.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this cranberry bread pudding recipe works together to create a deliciously rich and balanced dessert. I love using dried bread for the base because it soaks up the custard perfectly without getting soggy. Let me walk you through a few tips on picking your ingredients.

• Dried Bread Cubes: Stale or lightly toasted bread cubes work best to absorb the custard and keep texture.
• Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and richness—don’t skip this for that signature custard taste.
• Milk (1%): Helps to thin the custard while keeping it light; whole milk works too if you want it richer.
• Eggs: The magic binders—make sure they’re fresh for the best custard setting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, inviting depth to the pudding flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings that cozy holiday warmth into every bite.
• Mini Toffee Bits (Skor toffee bits recommended): These melt slightly while baking and add irresistible gooey caramel notes.
• Dried Cranberries (Craisins): Provide a tangy contrast and lovely festive color.
• Grated Orange Peel: Fresh zest brightens the entire dish—you’ll want to use fresh oranges if you can.
• Caramel Sundae Sauce: A quick store-bought shortcut that adds luscious sweetness on top.
• Whipped Cream (optional): A fluffy finishing touch that makes this feel extra special.

Variations

I love how versatile this cranberry bread pudding recipe is! I often swap out a few ingredients based on what’s in my pantry or what my family is craving. Don’t be afraid to get creative—you’ll find that little tweaks can make this dessert fit your mood perfectly.

• Nutty Twist: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and warmth, which my family adores.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out regular milk and condensed milk for coconut milk options—still delicious and perfect for dairy sensitivities.
• Fruit Swap: Try dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries for a slightly different flavor profile I discovered accidentally one year!
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom elevates the spice complexity if you like bold flavors.

How to Make Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Meanwhile, grab your dried bread and cube it into about 1-inch pieces. I find using day-old bread works wonders here—too fresh and you risk the pudding getting mushy.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk the condensed milk, regular milk, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. This silky custard base is where the magic happens. Make sure the eggs are fully combined for an even bake. When I first tried this recipe, I underestimated whisking time, and parts were lumpy—take your time with this step!

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard over the bread cubes and toss gently until every piece is coated. Let the mixture soak for about 5 minutes—this is key for the bread to absorb the custard just right. If you have extra time, letting it rest a bit longer helps deepen the flavor even more.

Step 4: Stir in Toffee Bits and Cranberries

Next, fold in the mini toffee bits and dried cranberries evenly throughout the pudding. The toffee bits melt into pockets of caramel sweetness, while the cranberries give tangy bites—you’ll love the combination. I use Skor bits because they’re perfectly sized and always melt just right.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer everything into your prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the grated orange peel on top for that citrus zing. Bake for 45 minutes or until the edges are gorgeously browned and the pudding looks set. You want it to be moist but not wet, so check carefully towards the end. I usually peek at 40 minutes and cover loosely if the top browns too fast.

How to Serve Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of finishing this warm bread pudding with a generous drizzle of caramel sundae sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. It turns the dessert into a next-level treat. Sometimes, I even add a few extra toffee bits on top for crunchy surprises, which my kids always ask for!

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to round out your holiday spread, I like pairing it with a cup of spiced tea or some lightly whipped vanilla yogurt for a tangy contrast. You can’t go wrong with fresh fruit slices on the side either.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I love serving this cranberry bread pudding in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a mint leaf for a pop of color. It makes each serving feel special and perfect for holiday guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded even more—just give it a quick warm-up before serving.

Freezing

Freezing cranberry bread pudding works wonders if you want to prep in advance. I portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. Microwaving is fine too; just heat in short bursts to keep the texture soft without turning the edges rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Bread Pudding Recipe comes together—it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with holiday cheer. When I first tried it, the family was hooked instantly, and it quickly became a seasonal staple in our home. I’d recommend you give it a go—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and the way it fills your kitchen with cozy aromas. So, grab your bread cubes, let’s make your next dessert something memorable and heartwarming!

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