Croissant Bread Pudding with Orange Zest and Caramel Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then this Croissant Bread Pudding with Orange Zest and Caramel Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine buttery croissants soaked in a luxuriously smooth custard infused with bright orange zest, baked until golden and soft inside, then drizzled with a luscious homemade caramel sauce that offers the perfect balance of sweet and buttery richness. This decadent yet comforting treat will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen, ideal for cozy weekends or impressing guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—croissants provide a flaky, airy base; dairy adds creaminess; sugar balances sweetness; orange zest brightens the profile; and butter helps build a rich caramel sauce that ties everything together.

• Croissants, 10 cups cut into 1-inch pieces: Day-old croissants work best for absorbing the custard without falling apart.
• Heavy cream, 2 cups + 1/2 cup: Provides a rich, silky texture essential for custard and caramel sauce.
• Whole milk, 2 cups: Lightens the custard slightly while maintaining creaminess.
• Eggs, 3 large: Bind the custard mixture for a custardy, pudding-like consistency.
• Pure vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon: Adds warm, aromatic notes enhancing overall flavor complexity.
• Light brown sugar, 3/4 cup + 3/4 cup packed: Imparts toffee-like depth and moisture within custard and caramel.
• Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup: Balances sweetness and helps with custard setting.
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Cuts through sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• Orange zest, from 1 orange: Offers fresh, citrus brightness to brighten the rich custard.
• Butter, 1/2 cup: Essential for luscious caramel sauce that crowns this dessert perfectly.

How to Make Croissant Bread Pudding with Orange Zest and Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Toast Croissants

Start by heating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the croissant pieces flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet to toast gently. This step dries them out just enough to soak up your custard perfectly without turning soggy, creating a beautifully tender yet structured pudding.

Step 2: Prepare Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, both sugars, salt, and freshly grated orange zest. Mix until smooth and combined. This custard mixture is where the magic starts—each ingredient perfectly balancing richness with a hint of citrus brightness.

Step 3: Assemble Bread Pudding

Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and layer the toasted croissant pieces inside. Pour the custard evenly over the croissants, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Gently press the pieces down so they soak deeply, setting up that luscious texture you love in bread pudding.

Step 4: Chill

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator for an hour. This soaking time lets the croissants absorb that flavorful custard fully, resulting in the quintessential, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 5: Preheat Oven for Baking

When your soaking time is up, crank your oven to 350°F (177°C). Getting the oven ready now ensures your bread pudding bakes evenly for that perfect golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set and the top boasts a gorgeous golden-brown color. The aroma wafting through your kitchen here is pure comfort.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Let the bread pudding cool a bit on a wire rack. This rest lets the custard finish setting and makes it easier to serve, while still warm and cozy.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth and blended, creating a rich base. Then carefully add heavy cream—it will bubble up, so keep stirring gently. Simmer about 5 minutes until thickened, then off the heat, stir in vanilla extract. This sauce is pure decadence.

Step 9: Serve

Keep your caramel sauce warm and pour generously over portions of the croissant bread pudding. This final touch is the crowning glory that makes this dish unforgettable.

How to Serve Croissant Bread Pudding with Orange Zest and Caramel Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten your presentation with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest or a few thin orange slices. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds elegance and contrast to the caramel’s richness.

Side Dishes

This pudding shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist. A light mixed berry salad adds freshness and a pop of color on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at brunch or dinner parties. You can also layer it in a clear trifle bowl with whipped cream and candied orange peel for a stunning visual treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more deliciously.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, make sure to cool the pudding completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Rewarm your leftover pudding in a 325°F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes. Reheat caramel sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, then pour warm over the pudding to revive that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use stale bread instead of croissants?

This particular recipe really shines because of croissants’ flakiness and buttery layers. Using stale bread will work but the texture will be denser and less rich. For best results, stick with croissants.

How important is the orange zest?

Orange zest is key to balancing the pudding’s richness with a fresh citrus brightness. Don’t skip it! It elevates the flavor and adds a lovely aromatic note that pairs perfectly with caramel.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead?

Absolutely! The caramel sauce can be made a day in advance. Just reheat gently before serving to restore its silky consistency.

Is it necessary to toast the croissants first?

Yes, toasting dries the croissants so they soak up the custard more effectively without becoming mushy. This step ensures your bread pudding has that perfect soft-yet-structured texture.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries mix beautifully with this bread pudding, adding texture and bursts of flavor. Fold them into the croissant pieces before adding custard.

Final Thoughts

You’ve just discovered a truly special dessert with this Croissant Bread Pudding with Orange Zest and Caramel Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so straightforward to make, with ingredients you know and love. Whether for a weekend treat or a crowd-pleasing dish, this pudding delivers warmth, comfort, and a burst of citrusy sunshine with every bite. So go ahead, gather your croissants, zest that orange, and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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