New Orleans cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors and rich traditions, and bread pudding is one dessert that never fails to impress. This Citrus Bread Pudding with a Sweet Glaze offers a fresh twist on the classic recipe, combining zesty citrus notes and warm spices with a buttery, sweet glaze. The result is a comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion.
In this version, we’ve removed the rum from the glaze, making it a family-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this citrus-infused dessert, gather the following ingredients:
Bread Pudding:
- 1 large loaf of French bread (14 to 16 ounces)
- 4 cups milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon (depending on your taste)
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Sweet Glaze:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons water or orange juice (for added citrus flavor)
How to Make the Bread Pudding:
This recipe requires a bit of patience for the flavors to fully develop, but it’s simple to follow and yields delicious results.
- Prepare the Bread: Start by tearing or cutting the French bread into 1-inch pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Add the milk, allowing the bread to soak. Crush the mixture with your hands until it is well combined and has a uniform texture.
- Mix the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir in the raisins, and then combine this mixture with the soaked bread. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and use it to coat a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake it uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before serving.
How to Make the Sweet Glaze:
Without the rum, this glaze still delivers a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the citrus bread pudding.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the beaten egg, stirring constantly to prevent it from scrambling.
- Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of water or orange juice for a hint of extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Citrus Bread Pudding warm, topped with the freshly made sweet glaze. The glaze adds a lovely richness, and the bright citrus flavors from the orange zest bring a refreshing twist to this comforting dessert.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it even more indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it for dessert after a special meal or as a treat for brunch, this bread pudding is sure to satisfy.
Final Thoughts:
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert, and this citrus-infused version with a sweet, alcohol-free glaze puts a fresh spin on a classic favorite. It’s a delightful, family-friendly dessert that brings the flavors of New Orleans to your kitchen.
Enjoy this comforting, citrusy bread pudding, and let the flavors of the Big Easy make your next dessert unforgettable!
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New Orleans Citrus Bread Pudding with Rum Glaze
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 1x
Description
New Orleans cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors and rich traditions, and bread pudding is one dessert that never fails to impress. This Citrus Bread Pudding with a Sweet Glaze offers a fresh twist on the classic recipe, combining zesty citrus notes and warm spices with a buttery, sweet glaze. The result is a comforting dessert perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
To make this citrus-infused dessert, gather the following ingredients:
Bread Pudding:
- 1 large loaf of French bread (14 to 16 ounces)
- 4 cups milk
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon (depending on your taste)
- 1 cup raisins
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Sweet Glaze:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons water or orange juice (for added citrus flavor)
Instructions
This recipe requires a bit of patience for the flavors to fully develop, but it’s simple to follow and yields delicious results.
- Prepare the Bread: Start by tearing or cutting the French bread into 1-inch pieces and placing them in a large bowl. Add the milk, allowing the bread to soak. Crush the mixture with your hands until it is well combined and has a uniform texture.
- Mix the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir in the raisins, and then combine this mixture with the soaked bread. Let the mixture sit for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can meld.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Melt the butter and use it to coat a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake it uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes, or until it is set and golden brown. Allow it to cool on a wire rack before serving.
How to Make the Sweet Glaze:
Without the rum, this glaze still delivers a rich, buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the citrus bread pudding.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the sugar until it’s completely dissolved and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add the beaten egg, stirring constantly to prevent it from scrambling.
- Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of water or orange juice for a hint of extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes