PREHEAT oven to 325°F.
BUTTER six 10-ounce custard dishes or ramekins.
HEAT half-and-half in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering.
WHISK TOGETHER eggs, ¾ cup sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and orange zest in a large bowl.
WHISK half-and-half slowly into egg mixture.
STIR bread cubes into egg mixture.
LET bread mixture rest about 10 minutes while STIRRING occasionally.
DIVIDE blackberries evenly between custard dishes.
DIVIDE bread mixture equally between custard dishes.
SPRINKLE almonds over each pudding.
BAKE about 40 minutes or until puddings are puffed and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
COOL puddings for 10 minutes.
TOP puddings with whipped cream or ice cream (if using).
SPRINKLE puddings with remaining sugar.
SERVE Blackberry Almond Bread Puddings warm.