Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding

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Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding is a festive, decadent dessert that combines the rich, custardy goodness of bread pudding with a delightful burst of tart cranberries and the subtle almond warmth of amaretto. Each bite offers a perfect blend of sweetness, tang, and a hint of nutty sophistication, making it an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

I first made this bread pudding as a special holiday dessert, and it quickly became a beloved favorite. The combination of crusty bread, dried cranberries, and a custard base infused with amaretto creates a velvety texture with a touch of fruitiness and elegance. The amaretto adds a unique twist that elevates the classic bread pudding experience, giving it a subtle but irresistible flavor profile.

What I love about this recipe is its adaptability. You can use fresh or dried cranberries, adjust the amount of amaretto to suit your taste, and even add nuts for extra crunch. Top it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream to add a finishing touch. Whether served warm or chilled, Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding is a comforting, festive treat that’s sure to impress and delight everyone at your table.

Perfect for:

Holiday gatherings
Brunches
Winter celebrations
Cozy evenings at home
Cranberry and almond enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding will become your go-to dessert:

Festive and Flavorful: A unique twist on bread pudding with cranberries and amaretto.
Warm and Comforting: The custard-soaked bread provides a rich and satisfying texture.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness and Tartness: A combination of sweet amaretto and tart cranberries.
Easy-to-Make Dessert: Simple steps that deliver a stunning and tasty result.
Customizable Add-ins: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or white chocolate for extra flair.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for preparing in advance to save time during gatherings.
Moist and Decadent Texture: A melt-in-your-mouth experience with a delightful custard base.
Garnishable Elegance: Add powdered sugar or fresh cranberries for a polished finish.
Impress Your Guests: A unique dessert that stands out on any dessert table.
Versatile Serving Ideas: Serve warm or cold for a delightful experience any way you like.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding Base:

6 cups stale bread (cubed, preferably brioche or French bread)
1 cup fresh cranberries
½ cup almonds (optional, chopped)

For the Custard Mixture:

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

the Glaze (Optional Garnish):

½ cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Cranberries: Offer a bright, tart contrast to the sweet bread base.
Amaretto Liqueur: Adds a distinctive almond flavor to the bread pudding.
Stale Bread: A key ingredient for the ideal custard-soaked texture.
Almonds: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread Pudding Base:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch baking dish.
Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Add Cranberries and Almonds: Scatter the fresh cranberries and optional almonds evenly over the bread cubes.

Make the Custard Mixture:

Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until well combined.
Add Milk and Cream: Pour in the milk, heavy cream, amaretto, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Pour Custard Over Bread: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing the bread down slightly to ensure it absorbs the liquid.

Bake the Bread Pudding:

Cover and Soak: Let the bread pudding sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soak up the custard.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set.

Cool and Glaze the Bread Pudding:

Cool Slightly: Let the bread pudding cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before serving.
Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk or cream until a thin glaze forms. Drizzle it over the bread pudding.

Serve:

Garnish and Slice: Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Serve warm or chilled.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy texture.
With a Drizzle of Amaretto Glaze: Enhance the almond flavor with an extra amaretto glaze drizzle.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: A cozy combo for brunches or afternoon treats.
With Candied Nuts: Sprinkle candied pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Cold and Chilled: Serve straight from the fridge for a refreshing twist.
Garnished with Fresh Cranberries: A visually appealing, festive touch.
With a Fruit Compote: Serve alongside a cranberry or berry compote for extra flavor.
Layered in Parfaits: Use bread pudding in layers with yogurt and granola for a breakfast twist.
As a Holiday Dessert: An elegant centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas tables.

Additional Tips

Use Stale Bread: For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old.
Soak Time Matters: Allow bread cubes to absorb the custard for a richer pudding experience.
Optional Nuts and Add-ins: Customize with chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruits.
Amaretto Substitute: Use almond extract if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the custard mixture and adjust sugar if you like it sweeter or less so.

Recipe Variations

Vegan Cranberry Bread Pudding: Use almond milk and flax eggs for a vegan twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread to make the bread pudding suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Nutty Cranberry Delight: Add hazelnuts or pecans for a robust nutty texture.
White Chocolate Cranberry Bread Pudding: Mix in white chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
Spiced Bread Pudding: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Apple and Cranberry Bread Pudding: Mix in diced apples along with cranberries for a fruity twist.
Amaretto-Free Bread Pudding: Use almond extract to retain an almond flavor without the alcohol.
Caramel Drizzle Version: Top with a rich caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Berry Mix Bread Pudding: Combine cranberries with blueberries and strawberries.
Double Amaretto Twist: Use amaretto liqueur in both the custard and glaze layers.

Special Equipment

Baking Dish: A 9-inch square or rectangular baking dish for even cooking.
Mixing Bowls: For whisking custards and mixing bread cubes with cranberries.
Whisk: Essential for incorporating the custard ingredients.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
Offset Spatula: For evenly spreading the glaze over the pudding.
Aluminum Foil: Used for covering the bread pudding during the first baking phase.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw frozen cranberries before adding them to the bread pudding.
How long does the bread pudding stay good in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat bread pudding?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm.
Can I omit the amaretto liqueur?
Yes, use almond extract as a substitute to maintain a similar almond flavor.
Should I use stale or fresh bread?
Stale bread absorbs the custard better and provides a richer texture.
What nuts work best in bread pudding?
Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add great texture and flavor.
Is this bread pudding suitable for brunches?
Yes, it’s a versatile dessert that fits perfectly on brunch tables.
Can I add chocolate to the bread pudding?
Absolutely! Mix in chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich twist.
What’s the secret to a good bread pudding texture?
Let bread cubes fully soak in the custard mixture to achieve a moist and tender texture.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding is a festive, luxurious treat that combines warm, rich flavors with a touch of holiday elegance. Soft, custardy bread pudding filled with tart cranberries and a hint of almond from the amaretto creates a delightful balance of sweetness and tang. A perfect dessert or brunch centerpiece, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of amaretto glaze, or a dollop of whipped cream, this bread pudding adds a touch of sophistication to any table. Serve it warm or chilled—either way, it’s a decadent and memorable treat perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or cozy evenings at home.

I’d love to see your Cranberry Amaretto Bread Pudding creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can celebrate your festive masterpiece. Don’t forget to comment and let me know how you made it your own—maybe with chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or an extra splash of amaretto for that signature twist!