What is Bread Pudding? A Journey from Frugality to Festive Indulgence

At its heart, bread pudding is a delightful, bread-based dessert. Traditionally, it’s crafted from stale bread, enriched with milk or cream, eggs, and a touch of fat like butter. Its resourceful nature is deeply rooted in history, earning it the moniker of “poor man’s pudding” as far back as the 11th century. During times of food scarcity, it was a genius way to transform leftover bread into a satisfying and comforting dish, often made with minimal ingredients like boiling water, a bit of sugar, and available spices. However, this humble dessert has undergone a remarkable culinary evolution. Today, far from being just a frugal option, bread pudding recipes are celebrated for their versatility and comfort, frequently appearing on the menus of even the most upscale restaurants, showcasing a spectrum of sophisticated flavors and presentations. This transformation highlights its enduring appeal and adaptability.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Festive Bread Pudding

Creating this irresistibly simple bread pudding recipe with condensed milk requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in its flavor and texture:

• Dry bread: The foundation of any great bread pudding! Using dry or stale bread is crucial as it readily absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy. You can use virtually any kind of dried bread you have on hand – a mix of whole wheat and white bread works beautifully for added depth. Don’t worry if you don’t have stale bread; our “Top Tip” below provides a quick drying method.
• Condensed milk and milk: This combination is the secret to the pudding’s luxurious richness and natural sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk offers a velvety texture and intense sweetness, eliminating the need for added sugar. We combine it with regular milk (I typically use 1% milk as it’s what I have readily available) to achieve the perfect consistency and ensure the pudding isn’t overly dense.
• Toffee bits: These tiny nuggets of buttery caramel candy are a game-changer. They melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of delightful chewiness and adding a rich, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the cranberries. I highly recommend using Skor toffee bits for their classic taste and texture.
• Dried cranberries: A quintessential holiday ingredient! Dried cranberries are not only convenient but also infuse this Christmas Bread Pudding with a beautiful tartness and vibrant color, making it look and taste extra festive. They soften during baking, releasing their tangy-sweet flavor throughout the pudding.
• Grated orange peel: The zest of fresh orange is a must-add for that special, bright flavor boost. Its aromatic tartness cuts through the sweetness of the condensed milk and toffee, creating a harmonious balance that truly sings, especially with the cranberry notes.
• Caramel sundae sauce: To keep things quick and effortless, we opt for a store-bought caramel sundae sauce. This saves you the time and effort of making caramel from scratch, allowing you to enjoy this decadent dessert with minimal fuss. It provides a glossy, sweet topping that is utterly irresistible.

Refer to the full recipe card below for precise ingredient quantities and a comprehensive list.

📖 Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

While this Cranberry Christmas Bread Pudding recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Gluten-free: Easily make this dessert gluten-free by simply swapping regular bread for your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure it’s dried thoroughly for the best texture.
• Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, replace traditional condensed milk with a dairy-free condensed milk and use a plant-based milk alternative. The flavor will remain wonderfully rich.
• Cranberries: If dried cranberries aren’t to your liking or you’re seeking a different flavor, consider using golden raisins for a classic sweetness, or even fresh cranberries (which will add a more intense tartness) for a burst of juicy flavor.
• Orange peel: While grating provides larger, more pronounced pieces of zest, you can certainly opt to finely zest the orange instead. Choose whichever method you prefer for incorporating that bright citrus aroma.
• Caramel sauce: Elevate your caramel experience by warming the store-bought sauce before drizzling, or venture into homemade caramel. For an adult twist, a bourbon caramel sauce adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
• Bread: The type of bread significantly impacts the pudding’s texture and flavor. While white bread or French bread are ideal for their neutral taste and excellent absorption, don’t hesitate to try other varieties. Cinnamon raisin bread, for instance, introduces a lovely spiced sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Alcoholic add-ins: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, stir in ¼ cup of Grand Marnier (or another orange liqueur) with the liquid ingredients. If you do this, reduce the condensed milk by 2 tablespoons to balance the sweetness.
• Whipped cream: If you’re looking for a lighter topping, consider using a lighter whipped topping or even spray whipped cream from a can, such as the Gaylea brand, for convenience and a fluffy finish.

🔪 How to Easily Make This Festive Christmas Bread Pudding

This Cranberry Christmas Bread Pudding with caramel sauce is not only a contender for the best bread pudding you’ll ever make, but it’s also incredibly straightforward! Follow these simple steps for a holiday dessert that impresses with minimal effort:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). Lightly spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring an easy release after baking.
2. Take your dried bread and cut it into uniform cubes, approximately 1 inch in size. Transfer these bread cubes into a spacious mixing bowl, preparing them for the rich custard.
3. In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, condensed milk, aromatic cinnamon, and fragrant vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. This creates the luscious custard that will soak into the bread.
4. Pour this prepared egg and milk mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the large bowl. Stir gently until every piece of bread is thoroughly coated. Allow the bread to soak for about 5 minutes, giving it time to absorb all that wonderful flavor.
5. Next, stir in the crunchy toffee bits and the festive dried cranberries, distributing them throughout the bread mixture.
6. Finally, spread the entire bread mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s ready for the oven.

⏲️ Perfect Baking Time for Golden Bread Pudding

Bake this delightful Holiday bread pudding with condensed milk, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when the edges of the bread are beautifully golden brown and the center is set. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, then generously drizzle it with the caramel sundae sauce and sprinkle with fresh grated orange peel. Serve this warm, comforting dessert with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of extra cinnamon, if you desire, for an truly unforgettable treat.

Top Tip: Achieving the Perfect Dry Bread for Your Pudding

The secret to an outstanding bread pudding lies in properly dried bread. Dry bread acts like a sponge, soaking up the rich custard without turning mushy. The easiest method is to simply leave your bread cubes out on a counter overnight. This allows them to naturally air-dry.

For Quick Dried Bread: If you’re short on time, you can accelerate the drying process in the oven. Spread your bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake them at 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) for just 3 minutes per side. Alternatively, you could lightly toast them in a toaster oven until they’re just beginning to brown. Both methods ensure your bread is perfectly primed for maximum custard absorption and a superior pudding texture.

👪 Serving Size & Customization for Any Gathering

This delightful Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding recipe is designed to generously serve 8 people, with each serving being a satisfying 1 cup portion. It’s perfect for a family holiday meal or a small festive gathering. Planning for a larger party or a more intimate dinner? No problem! You can effortlessly adjust the recipe by simply clicking on the serving number in the recipe card below. Select your desired number of servings, and the ingredient quantities will automatically scale up or down, making meal prep a breeze for any occasion.

🌡️ Storage & Reheating for Enduring Enjoyment

One of the many joys of bread pudding is how well it stores, allowing you to savor its deliciousness over several days. If you’re simply planning to enjoy it the next day, a quick cover with plastic wrap and a spot in the fridge will keep it fresh. For longer storage, any leftover bread pudding can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container (affiliate link) for 3-4 days. If you’re looking to extend its life even further, bread pudding freezes beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy holiday times.

To Reheat: For individual servings, simply place your bread pudding in a microwave-safe bowl and reheat on full power for approximately 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until warmed through. For a larger portion or if you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm.

🥫 Creative Uses for Leftover Condensed Milk

After whipping up this delicious bread pudding, you might find yourself with a little leftover condensed milk. Don’t let it go to waste! Condensed milk is a versatile ingredient that can add a creamy richness to many dishes. If you’re up for another culinary adventure, you can use it to make my incredibly flavorful Healthy Butter Chicken (it’s truly amazing!) or my comforting Healthy Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana. Beyond these recipes, condensed milk is fantastic in coffee as a rich creamer, blended into smoothies, or used to make simple no-bake desserts like fudge or magic cookie bars.

A great way to preserve any excess condensed milk is to freeze it! Simply transfer it to an airtight container before freezing.

NOTE: Due to its high sugar content, condensed milk will not freeze solid. When you’re ready to use it, you can easily thaw frozen condensed milk overnight in the refrigerator. It can be stored frozen for up to three months without any noticeable changes in flavor or texture, provided the container is tightly sealed. If you observe any separation after thawing, a quick whisk will bring it back to its smooth consistency. Remember, once thawed, condensed milk should not be refrozen. You can explore more detailed information about freezing condensed milk HERE.

Bread pudding is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold! While it’s delicious any way you have it, I personally find its flavors and comforting texture are best highlighted when served warm.

Yes, absolutely! This festive Cranberry Christmas Bread Pudding freezes beautifully. Simply place it in an airtight container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. You can choose to freeze it as a whole dessert or in individual portions for easy reheating.

The best bread for bread pudding is stale or dried bread. Stale bread, like day-old white bread, French bread, challah, or brioche, works best because it has less moisture and can absorb the custard without falling apart or becoming too soggy. Avoid fresh, soft breads as they tend to turn mushy.

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