Instant Pot French Bread Pudding Recipe- Cinnamon Orange Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot French Bread Pudding Recipe – Cinnamon Orange Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good dessert that feels comforting and a little bit fancy, but doesn’t actually require a ton of effort. This Instant Pot French Bread Pudding is exactly that! I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was craving something warm and cozy on a rainy day, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The Instant Pot makes it unbelievably easy, and the cinnamon-orange flavor is just divine. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s French bread pudding (though, with all due respect to grandmas!). It’s quick, thanks to the Instant Pot, and bursting with flavor. The orange marmalade adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness, and the cinnamon… well, cinnamon just makes everything better, doesn’t it? Plus, it’s super customizable – I’ll share a bunch of fun variations later on. Honestly, it’s the perfect dessert for a weeknight treat or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 7 slices French Brioche bread
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (about 240ml)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
• Maple syrup, as desired
• Bananas, chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins – for topping, as desired!

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. A few things make this recipe extra special:

• Brioche Bread: Seriously, use brioche if you can! It’s richer and softer than regular bread, and it soaks up the custard beautifully. If you can’t find brioche, challah or even a good quality white bread will work in a pinch.
• Orange Marmalade: Don’t skip this! The slight bitterness of the orange marmalade balances the sweetness perfectly. I love using a chunky marmalade for little bursts of orange flavor.
• Instant Pot Convenience: The Instant Pot is a game-changer here. It creates a super moist and evenly cooked pudding without needing to babysit a water bath in the oven. It’s honestly the easiest way to make French bread pudding!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, grease a 7-inch cake pan really well and line the bottom with a circle of aluminum foil. This will help you get the pudding out easily.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, orange marmalade, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Now, gently mix in the bread cubes, making sure each piece gets nicely coated in the egg mixture. Don’t overmix – you want the bread to hold its shape a little.
4. Arrange the coated bread in the prepared cake pan. Press down gently to make sure it’s all snug.
5. Cover the pan tightly with a paper towel and then a layer of aluminum foil. This prevents condensation from dripping onto the pudding.
6. Pour 1 cup (240ml) of water into the Instant Pot and place the pan on a trivet.
7. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. After that, let it naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Carefully remove the pan from the Instant Pot and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If you want a crispy top, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two – just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
9. Finally, top with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and any other toppings your heart desires.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the foil: Seriously, it makes removing the pudding SO much easier.
• Natural Release is Key: Letting the pressure release naturally helps prevent the pudding from collapsing.
• Check for Doneness: If the pudding seems a little wobbly after cooking, that’s okay! It will firm up as it cools.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work great) and use an egg replacer like flax eggs or applesauce.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Just be aware that it might absorb the custard a little differently, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard for an extra layer of warmth. Feel free to experiment!
• Festival Adaptations: During Christmas, my family loves adding dried cranberries and chopped pecans. It feels so festive!

Serving Suggestions

This French bread pudding is amazing on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm cup of chai or coffee is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

You can! While brioche is my favorite, challah, croissants, or even a good quality white bread will work. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

Can I make this French Bread Pudding ahead of time?

You can assemble the pudding up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

No problem! You can bake this in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Place the cake pan inside a larger baking dish filled with hot water (a water bath) to keep it moist.

How can I prevent the pudding from being too soggy?

Make sure to cover the pan tightly with foil during cooking and don’t overmix the bread.

Can I add other fruits besides bananas?

Absolutely! Berries, peaches, apples, or even a handful of cherries would be delicious.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you come up with!