Ultimate Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Glaze – a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch idea, perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving morning or any crisp fall day!
Introduction: A Match Made in Autumn Heaven
Have you ever experienced the delightful symphony of pumpkin and orange flavors together? If not, prepare to have your culinary world transformed! This incredible pairing, which I first discovered while crafting a Pumpkin Layer Cake with an Orange Ginger Filling, is nothing short of revolutionary. The moment that first bite melted on my tongue, I knew I had stumbled upon an amazing flavor combination that simply had to be explored further. And so, the inspiration for this irresistible Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding was born.
This isn’t just any bread pudding; it’s an elevated experience that celebrates the very best of autumn. Imagine tender bread cubes, lovingly baked in a rich, spiced pumpkin custard, brightened by the fragrant zest of fresh oranges. This seemingly simple addition of orange zest doesn’t just add a citrusy note; it accentuates the warmth of the pumpkin and the complexity of the spices, lifting the entire dish to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Forget boring fall breakfasts – this will undoubtedly become your go-to comfort food this season!
Why This Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding is a Must-Try
While bread pudding might not always win awards for its photogenic qualities, what it lacks in visual drama, it more than makes up for in unparalleled flavor and soul-warming comfort. From the very first spoonful, you’ll be enveloped in a medley of fall flavors at their absolute peak. The rich, earthy notes of pumpkin are perfectly balanced by the vibrant, zesty punch of orange, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. And let’s not forget the crowning glory: a silky, tangy cream cheese glaze that provides the ideal finishing touch, adding a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding.
Beyond its incredible taste, the aroma alone of this bread pudding baking in your oven is enough to transport you to a state of pure autumnal bliss. The intoxicating scent of pumpkin spice mingling with the bright essence of orange will fill your home, creating an ambiance that whispers of holidays and cozy gatherings. It’s the kind of fragrance that makes you want to snuggle up with a warm blanket and a good book. This glorious scent is precisely why I know this recipe will be making a recurring appearance at our Thanksgiving breakfast table year after year. It’s not just a dish; it’s an invitation to savor the season.
Key Ingredients for Perfection
The magic of this Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding lies in the careful selection and combination of a few simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and comforting texture that makes this dish so special.
The Bread Base: Foundation of Flavor
- Stale Bread is Best: Don’t reach for fresh bread! Day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal for bread pudding. It acts like a sponge, readily soaking up the rich pumpkin custard without becoming mushy.
- Choosing Your Loaf: While the recipe suggests Italian loaf, feel free to experiment. Challah, brioche, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread can work wonderfully. The goal is a bread that can hold its structure while absorbing moisture. Cut your chosen bread into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even baking and absorption.
The Pumpkin Custard: Heart of the Pudding
- Pure Pumpkin Power: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling comes pre-spiced and sweetened, which can throw off the balance of this recipe. The purity of the pumpkin allows our custom spice blend and orange zest to shine.
- Eggs for Structure: Large eggs bind the custard together, giving the bread pudding its signature tender, custardy texture.
- Dairy Delight: Milk, along with melted butter, forms the liquid base of our rich custard, ensuring every bread cube is thoroughly saturated.
- Brown Sugar’s Sweet Embrace: Packed light brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully, lending moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
The Flavor Stars: Pumpkin Spice & Orange Zest
- Aromatic Pumpkin Spice: This warm blend, typically featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, is the quintessential flavor of fall. It brings a comforting, festive aroma and taste to the pudding.
- The Brightness of Orange Zest: This is where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The fine zest of a whole orange introduces a vibrant, citrusy counterpoint to the deep, warm spices. It doesn’t make the pudding taste overtly “orange” but rather brightens and elevates all the other flavors, adding a subtle, sophisticated twist that will leave guests wondering about your secret ingredient.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and spiced notes, adding another layer of aromatic warmth.
The Cream Cheese Glaze: The Perfect Finishing Touch
- Softened Cream Cheese: Essential for a smooth, lump-free glaze. Ensure it’s at room temperature before beating.
- Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and a silky texture. Sifting it is crucial to avoid lumps.
- Milk/Half & Half: Used to achieve the ideal drizzling consistency for the glaze. Add gradually to control thickness.
Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Glaze
Anna
Pin Recipe
15 mins
30 mins
45 mins
Breakfast
American
6 people
449 kcal
Ingredients
For the bread pudding:
- 6 cups cubed bread (I used Italian loaf)
- 1 15 oz can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin filling)
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of a whole orange
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
For the glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp whole milk or half and half
Instructions
- Butter a 2-quart baking dish. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Place bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, and milk until well combined.
- In a separate measuring cup, mix together the melted butter and packed brown sugar. Stir vigorously until the sugar is almost completely dissolved into the butter.
- Add the butter and brown sugar mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir until the entire custard is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour the pumpkin custard mixture over the bread cubes in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss the bread cubes to ensure they are thoroughly coated and have absorbed the liquid.
- Spread the coated bread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the bread pudding for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is set, lightly golden brown on top, and a knife inserted into the center comes out relatively clean (a little moistness is fine).
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set further and for flavors to meld.
- To make the glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until well incorporated and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the whole milk or half and half, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition. Continue until you achieve a thick, yet drizzling consistency that can be easily poured.
- Drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze generously over the warm bread pudding just before serving for the best experience.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container for up to 1 day.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 449 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 50g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 25g |
Saturated Fat: 14g |
Cholesterol: 118mg |
Sodium: 247mg |
Potassium: 304mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 33g |
Vitamin A: 12605IU |
Vitamin C: 3.3mg |
Calcium: 132mg |
Iron: 2.6mg
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Tips for Bread Pudding Perfection
Making the perfect Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding is a delightful process, and a few simple tips can elevate your creation from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Use Stale Bread: This cannot be emphasized enough. Fresh bread is too soft and will turn mushy when soaked in the custard. Day-old bread, or bread that has been left out to dry slightly for a few hours, works best. If your bread is fresh, you can gently toast the cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to dry them out slightly.
- Even Cubes, Even Soak: Cut your bread into consistent 1-inch cubes. This ensures that each piece absorbs the custard uniformly, leading to a perfectly tender texture throughout.
- Don’t Rush the Soak: While the recipe provides a baking time, sometimes a longer soak can be beneficial, especially if your bread is particularly dense. Let the bread cubes sit in the custard mixture for at least 15-20 minutes (or even up to an hour in the fridge) before baking to ensure maximum absorption.
- Perfect Orange Zest: When zesting the orange, be careful to only grate the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the white pith underneath. The pith can be bitter, while the zest holds all the fragrant oils that provide that incredible citrus brightness.
- Adjusting the Glaze Consistency: The amount of milk or half-and-half needed for the cream cheese glaze can vary slightly depending on the consistency of your cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add it slowly, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to coat a spoon, but thin enough to gently cascade over the warm pudding.
- Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven or gently reheated. This allows the flavors to truly shine and the texture to remain wonderfully soft and custardy.
Delicious Variations to Explore
While this Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding recipe is a star on its own, it also serves as an excellent canvas for creative variations. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even candied walnuts to the bread mixture before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can enhance their aroma.
- Dried Fruit Infusion: Stir in ½ cup of dried cranberries, golden raisins, or chopped dried apricots along with the bread cubes. These add a delightful chewiness and bursts of complementary sweetness.
- Spice It Up (or Down): If you prefer a bolder spice profile, you can increase the pumpkin spice to 2 ½ or 3 teaspoons. For a different twist, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the pumpkin custard.
- Bourbon Boost: For an adult-friendly version, a tablespoon or two of bourbon or rum can be added to the pumpkin custard for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: A scattering of white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips can add a decadent twist, melting into pockets of gooey deliciousness.
- Alternative Glazes: While the cream cheese glaze is phenomenal, you could also opt for a simple vanilla bean glaze, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a homemade caramel sauce for a different kind of sweet finish.
- Make it Individual: Instead of a large baking dish, bake the bread pudding in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings, ideal for a more elegant brunch presentation. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding is a fantastic dish for meal prepping or preparing ahead of a busy holiday morning. Here’s how to manage it:
- Making Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding (without the glaze) up to one day in advance. After pouring the custard over the bread cubes and placing it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. This overnight soak can sometimes result in an even more custardy texture!
- Storage: Leftover bread pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The glaze should ideally be stored separately if possible and added just before serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Fall Tradition
This Pumpkin Orange Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the embodiment of autumn comfort, a celebration of unique flavor pairings, and a truly delightful treat that deserves a place on your holiday table or simply as a comforting weekend indulgence. Its incredible aroma, tender texture, and harmonious blend of sweet pumpkin, warm spices, and bright orange will undoubtedly captivate everyone who tries it.
Whether you’re hosting a festive Thanksgiving brunch or simply looking for a new way to enjoy the season’s bounty, this bread pudding delivers on all fronts. It’s simple enough for a beginner yet impressive enough for a seasoned baker. So, gather your ingredients, savor the process, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite fall tradition.
Related Recipes You’ll Love:
To complete your fall feast or satisfy your pumpkin and orange cravings, try these complementary recipes:
Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte – A hot cup of this latte paired with a slice of bread pudding makes for an absolutely divine fall breakfast!
Microwave Caramel Sauce – Feeling adventurous? Skip the cream cheese glaze and drizzle this glorious, easy-to-make caramel sauce over your warm bread pudding for a different kind of indulgence!
Pumpkin Layer Cake with Orange Ginger Filling and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting – Revisit the original inspiration! This spectacular cake, featuring the same incredible pumpkin and orange ginger pairing, is a perfect dessert for any Thanksgiving gathering.