Name: Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Custard 4 cups day-old bread cubes (French or brioche); 2 cups whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; Relish 1 cup cranberry relish (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 cup orange juice (for mixing); 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); Toppings Powdered sugar (for dusting); Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

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Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that layers day-old bread with creamy custard and vibrant cranberry relish for a festive, fruity twist. Baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate make-ahead treat for holiday dinners or brunch. Whether you’re serving a family feast or need a showstopping sweet, you can assemble this Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe to bring tart warmth to your table without the holiday hustle.

What is the Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe?

The Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe is a baked casserole of cubed bread soaked in egg-milk custard, studded with homemade cranberry relish for bursts of tartness and holiday color. This oven essential transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dessert, making it ideal for seasonal gatherings. If you’re craving a festive, fruity pudding, follow the Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe to recreate this heartwarming classic at home.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding

There are countless reasons why the cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding recipe has become a staple for holiday dessert lovers everywhere. From its comforting texture to its effortless assembly, this recipe delivers big on nostalgia without the effort. Here’s why you’ll bake it on repeat:

Quick and Effortless Soak
One of the best parts of the cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding recipe is how it preps in 20 minutes and bakes hands-off. No constant stirring—just assemble and bake. It’s perfect for those busy holiday mornings.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe captures bread pudding’s soul with creamy custard, sweet bread, and tangy cranberry relish, creating bites that are warm and refreshing. It’s customizable with orange zest or nuts—much like how herb-infused flavors elevate dishes in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
True to one-bowl simplicity, everything mixes in a single dish, keeping your kitchen calm. It’s as straightforward as the steps below, using pantry staples like bread and eggs for a no-mess marvel.
Versatile for Any Gathering
Whether it’s a Christmas brunch or New Year’s brunch, this pudding adapts seamlessly. Serve warm or chilled. Experiment with add-ins, similar to how lemon brightens up the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Ideal for Cozy Winter Comfort
The custardy warmth and fruity tang are incredibly soothing on chilly days, delivering that baked-hug without heaviness. It’s an invigorating option, providing satisfying slices for the season.
A Holiday Favorite Showstopper
With its golden top and ruby relish flecks, this pudding looks like a bakery creation—impressive yet simple. Dust with powdered sugar for that enchanting touch; it’s sure to warm hearts, just like the bold layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.

The cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding recipe offers the ideal mix of comfort, color, and convenience, making it a must-try for holiday desserts. If you’re after a sweet that sings “season’s greetings,” this one will quickly become your festive favorite!

Warm, fruity cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding baked to golden perfection—perfect for dinners, brunches, or anytime you crave holiday comfort without the fuss.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Holiday American

Ingredients

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Custard

4 cups bread cubes
2 cups milk

Relish

1 cup cranberry relish
1/2 cup sugar

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Instructions

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Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 serving

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Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe Ingredients

Custard Ingredients

4 cups day-old bread cubes (French or brioche)
2 cups whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Relish Ingredients

1 cup cranberry relish (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup orange juice (for mixing)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Toppings

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

How to Make Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread bread cubes in the dish. In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Pour over bread, pressing down to soak. Let sit 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Relish

Stir cranberry relish with orange juice until saucy. Spoon dollops over the soaked bread, swirling gently with a knife for marbled effect. Sprinkle pecans if using.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake for 40–45 minutes until puffed and golden, with custard set but slightly jiggly. Cool 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with whipped cream.

How Long Will Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Last?

When storing your cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding, prompt chilling keeps its warm charm alive. These tips ensure it stays fresh for reheats, especially for holiday leftovers.

How Long Does Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding Last in the Fridge?

Baked pudding keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container. It may release liquid, but reheating revives texture.

To maintain comfort:

Cool completely before covering.
Reheat covered in oven at 325°F.
Portion for individual servings.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding?

Yes—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and reheat. (Pro tip: Similar to storing custardy desserts in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe, freeze in portions for easy thawing.)

Signs That Your Pudding Has Gone Bad

Watch for:

Sour milk or egg smells.
Mold on relish.
Soggy or separated texture.

Follow these to keep the holiday heart.

Which Bread is Best for Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding?

The bread you choose is the heart of your cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding recipe, influencing soakability and how well it holds the custard. Opt for slightly stale for peak absorption.

Best Type of Bread for Bread Pudding

For custardy texture and flavor, use French bread—at least 4 cups cubes for 8 servings. It provides the ideal crusty edges and soft center.

French or Brioche Bread: The top pick for its airy crumb and ability to soak without falling apart.
Avoid Fresh Sandwich Bread: It’s too soft; stick to sturdy loaves for structure.

Cube and dry overnight for best results—it’ll absorb evenly.

How to Prep Bread for Bread Pudding

Cube into 1-inch pieces.
Let stale or toast lightly.
Soak 10 minutes before baking; custard sets in 45 minutes.

Stabilizing Bread for Pudding

For longer-lasting bake:

Milk Boost: Ensures moisture, much like lemon in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Egg Balance: Binds for firmness.

Other Bread Options for Bread Pudding

Challah: Richer twist for variety, with notes that catch relish.
Gluten-Free Bread: Seamless swap for inclusive holidays.
Vegan Note: Use plant milk and flax eggs for dairy-free delight.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Bread for Your Pudding

The right bread elevates your cranberry relish Christmas bread pudding recipe from good to grand, ensuring every bite is a comforting embrace. Whether classic or creative, you’ll bake that perfect holiday warmth every time.

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Conclusion

Cranberry Relish Christmas Bread Pudding is a flavorful, no-fuss dessert that delivers holiday comfort in a simple, soak-and-bake package. With the right ingredients and easy steps, it’s bound to become your go-to for festive feasts. From bread picks to smart storage, these insights ensure success every dish. Bake up, share the warmth, and enjoy this delightful pudding with loved ones!