Decadent Chocolate Orange Bread and Butter Pudding: A Zesty Twist on a Classic

Indulge in a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and vibrant orange zest with this extraordinary bread and butter pudding. A comforting twist on a beloved classic, it boasts a beautifully crisp, golden exterior that gives way to a wonderfully soft and tender, custardy centre.

Why This Chocolate Orange Bread and Butter Pudding is a Must-Try

There’s something inherently comforting about a classic pudding, isn’t there? From a warm deep-dish apple pie to a luscious sticky toffee pudding, these timeless desserts evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Bread and butter pudding, with its humble origins, stands proud among these culinary treasures. While the traditional version is undeniably delicious, I couldn’t resist elevating it with a pairing that always wins hearts: chocolate and orange.

This recipe, proudly featured in my ‘It’s all about Dinner book‘, might seem like an unexpected inclusion among dinner recipes, but a few irresistible desserts simply had to make the cut. The combination of rich, melting dark chocolate and bright, zesty orange extract transforms this comforting classic into a truly sophisticated indulgence. Each spoonful offers a harmonious balance of deep cocoa notes and invigorating citrus, making it a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting.

The Magic of Chocolate and Orange

The pairing of chocolate and orange is a classic for a reason. The subtle bitterness and depth of dark chocolate perfectly complement the vibrant, sweet, and tangy notes of orange. In this bread and butter pudding, this dynamic duo creates a flavour profile that is both decadent and refreshing. The chocolate melts into the custard, forming luscious pockets of gooey goodness, while the orange extract infuses every bite with a delightful zest that cuts through the richness, preventing it from being overly sweet. It’s an elegant dance of flavours that will captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more.

📋 Ingredients for This Divine Chocolate Orange Bread & Butter Pudding

Creating this irresistible dessert requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavour and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• White Bloomer-Style Bread: The foundation of our pudding. A slightly stale bloomer works best as it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully without becoming soggy. You’ll need about 300g (10.5 oz) sliced into thick chunks.
• Unsalted Butter: For spreading on the bread, creating that crisp, buttery crust. 3 tablespoons will suffice.
• Candied Peel Chunks: Adds a lovely chewy texture and an extra layer of citrusy flavour. 100g (3/4 cup) is ideal, offering a hint of festive flair.
• Sultanas: These sweet, plump raisins add natural sweetness and a delightful chewiness. 100g (2/3 cup) should be enough.
• Full-Fat Milk & Double (Heavy) Cream: The dynamic duo for a rich, luxurious custard. Full-fat milk contributes to the creamy base, while double cream provides an unparalleled richness that makes this pudding truly decadent. We use 240ml (1 cup) milk and 300ml (1 1/4 cups) cream.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavours in the custard.
• Egg Yolks: The key to a thick, velvety smooth custard. Four egg yolks give our pudding that signature richness without making it too eggy.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and depth that complements the chocolate beautifully. 100g (1/2 cup) is the perfect amount.
• Cornflour (Cornstarch in USA): A couple of tablespoons of cornflour helps to thicken the custard, ensuring it sets perfectly.
• Valencian Orange Extract: This is where the magic happens! A teaspoon of high-quality Valencian orange extract provides that intense, authentic orange flavour that pairs so well with chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate: Roughly chopped, 150g (5.3 oz) of dark chocolate melts into the custard, creating rich, gooey pockets throughout the pudding.
• Chocolate Chips (Milk or Dark): Sprinkled over the top before baking, these provide extra bursts of chocolatey goodness and a slight crunch. I prefer milk chocolate chips (80g or 1/2 cup) for a sweeter contrast.
• Orange (sliced into half-moons) & Confectioners’ Sugar: For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant touch and a hint of elegance.

👩‍🍳PRO TIP: Don’t be afraid to customize your dried fruit! While candied peel and sultanas are classic, cranberries, raisins, or dried blueberries all work wonderfully. You can even mix and match for a more complex flavour profile.

🍽️ What to Serve Your Chocolate Orange Bread & Butter Pudding With

This magnificent pudding is fantastic on its own, but a little accompaniment can truly elevate the experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla provides a delightful contrast to the warm, rich pudding, creating a classic dessert pairing.
• Fresh Double Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped double cream adds another layer of luxurious texture and mellows the richness of the chocolate.
• Thick and Creamy Custard: For those who love a truly traditional British dessert, a generous pour of warm, homemade custard is absolutely divine.
• Orange Zest: A final sprinkle of fresh orange zest just before serving can brighten the flavours even further and add a beautiful aroma.
• Candied Orange Slices: For an extra special touch, you can make or buy candied orange slices to garnish, mirroring the orange flavour within.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Bread and Butter Pudding

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your baking dish. Grease a large casserole dish (an oval 28cmx25cm dish works well) thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Next, prepare the bread. Slice 300g (10.5 oz) of white bloomer-style bread into 2.5cm (1 inch) thick slices. Spread each slice generously with 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Then, cut each buttered bread slice into 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks.
3. Arrange the bread chunks evenly in your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 100g (3/4 cup) of candied peel chunks and 100g (2/3 cup) of sultanas over the bread. Set the dish aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine 240ml (1 cup) full-fat milk, 300ml (1 1/4 cups) double (heavy) cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it is almost boiling, then immediately turn off the heat. Do not let it boil vigorously.
5. In a separate jug or bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 100g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornflour (cornstarch in USA) until thoroughly combined and slightly pale.
6. Temper the egg mixture. While continuously stirring the egg-sugar mixture with a whisk, gradually add a small splash of the hot milk mixture. Continue to add the hot milk to the eggs, a splash at a time, whisking constantly, until all the milk has been incorporated. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
7. Wash out the milk pan to remove any residue. Pour the tempered milk and egg mixture back into the clean pan. Heat this over a medium heat, stirring slowly and continuously with a whisk, until the mixture visibly thickens to a custard-like consistency.
8. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Valencian orange extract and 150g (5.3 oz) of roughly chopped dark chocolate. Continue stirring gently until all the dark chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
9. Generously spoon the warm chocolate orange custard mixture over the bread chunks in the casserole dish. Gently mix it together to ensure all the bread is thoroughly coated and soaking up the rich liquid.
10. Allow the pudding to sit and absorb the custard for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. During this time, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) for a fan oven.
11. Sprinkle 80g (1/2 cup) of chocolate chips (milk or dark, as preferred) evenly over the top of the bread mixture. Carefully place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are beautifully crisp and golden brown, and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the centre.
12. Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven. Artfully arrange the 1 orange slices, cut into half-moons, on top. Finish with a delicate dusting of 1 teaspoon of sifted confectioners’ sugar. Serve immediately, either on its own or with your favourite accompaniment.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Orange Bread & Butter Pudding

• Choose the Right Bread: While bloomer is recommended, any sturdy, slightly dense white bread like challah, brioche (for extra richness), or even a good quality sourdough will work. Stale bread is actually preferred as it absorbs the custard better without disintegrating.
• Don’t Rush the Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak for 30 minutes is crucial. This ensures the bread absorbs enough custard to become tender and moist inside.
• Temper Your Eggs Carefully: When adding the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, do it slowly and whisk continuously. This gentle heating prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a smooth custard.
• Achieve the Crisp Top: The buttered bread edges are key to that delightful crisp exterior. Don’t overcrowd your dish; give the bread space to brown.
• Avoid Overbaking: The pudding should be set but still have a slight wobble in the centre when gently shaken. Overbaking can lead to a dry pudding.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Especially for the chocolate and orange extract. A good quality dark chocolate and a potent orange extract will make a significant difference in flavour.

Variations and Customizations

• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts to the pudding for extra texture and flavour.
• Spiced Orange: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mixture for a warmer, spicier note, especially lovely during colder months.
• White or Milk Chocolate: If dark chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter pudding, or a mix of both. White chocolate can also provide a creamy alternative.
• Liqueur Boost: For an adult twist, a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau can be added to the custard along with the orange extract for a more intense citrus-alcohol kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread for a delicious alternative that caters to dietary needs.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Notes

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