Spiced Orange and Cranberry Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

Ingredients

• •6 cups cubed day-old bread (e.g., challah or brioche)
• •1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• •1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• •3 cups whole milk
• •1 cup heavy cream
• •3/4 cup granulated sugar
• •1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• •4 large eggs
• •2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• •1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• •1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• •2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• •Vanilla sauce (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cranberries, and orange zest. Toss to mix and set aside.

3. 3

   In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

4. 4

   Pour the custard mixture over the bread and cranberry mixture. Gently toss to coat, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.

5. 5

   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. 7

   Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with warm vanilla sauce if desired.