Description
This decadent Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring layers of cinnamon raisin bread sandwiched with butter and orange marmalade, soaked in a rich custard made from heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs. Topped with a cinnamon raisin and brown sugar mixture, then baked to golden perfection, it’s finished with warm marmalade, juicy blood orange slices, whipped cream, and fragrant fresh rosemary for a delightful burst of flavor and aroma.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 24 slices Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1 jar Orange Marmalade
Topping
- 1/4 cup Raisins
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Custard
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (about 14 oz)
- 2 Large Eggs
Garnishes (to taste)
- Whipped Cream
- Blood Orange slices
- Fresh Rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottom of each with parchment paper and butter the paper as well to prevent sticking.
- Butter Bread Slices: Spread half of the cinnamon raisin bread slices (12 slices) with about 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter each, ensuring even coverage.
- Marmalade Bread Slices: Spread the remaining 12 slices of bread evenly with about 2 teaspoons of orange marmalade each, preparing for layering.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Sandwich the bread slices with buttered and marmalade sides facing each other. Trim the crusts from the sandwiches, then cut each sandwich into four diagonal quarters.
- Arrange in Pans: Carefully arrange the bread quarters in the prepared pans, stacking and overlapping them snugly to fit as many pieces as possible in each pan.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together raisins, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the arranged bread pieces in each pan.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Custard and Press: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread in the pans. Gently press the bread down to help it absorb the custard.
- Bake: Bake the bread pudding for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, and the pudding is set and golden on top.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the bread puddings cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
- Warm Marmalade: Place the remaining marmalade in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat until it becomes more liquid and easy to spread.
- Invert Puddings: Loosen the sides of the bread puddings from the pans. Invert one pan onto a serving platter and gently shake to release the pudding; remove the parchment paper. Spread half of the warm marmalade over this layer.
- Stack Layers: Invert the second bread pudding onto a baking sheet or wire rack, then invert again onto a rimless baking sheet so the top is facing up. Slide this layer gently onto the first one, creating a stacked bread pudding. Spread the remaining warm marmalade over the top.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, top the bread pudding with fresh blood orange slices, whipped cream, and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old cinnamon raisin bread to ensure it soaks up the custard well without becoming too soggy.
- Crust trimming helps the bread pudding layer evenly and creates a uniform texture.
- Adjust sugar in the custard if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet pudding.
- Fresh rosemary adds a subtle savory aroma that complements the sweet flavors; omit if you prefer a purely sweet dessert.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cinnamon raisin bread pudding, bread pudding, dessert, baked dessert, orange marmalade dessert, cinnamon dessert
