If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of buttery brioche soaked in a luscious custard, richly flavored with aromatic cardamom and sweet, juicy pears. It’s a comforting classic with a fragrant twist, perfect for family dinners or holiday treats. Each bite melts in your mouth, balancing creamy texture and cozy spice, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe lies in a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the bread provides structure and a soft base, pears bring fruity sweetness and moisture, and the cardamom adds a unique, warm spice that elevates the whole dish.
- 4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread: Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- 2 ripe pears, diced: Firm yet juicy pears add natural sweetness and a tender fruit texture.
- 4 large eggs: These bind everything together and create a rich custard base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the custard mixture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the pudding that luscious, velvety mouthfeel.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish, balancing the spice and fruit perfectly.
- 1 tsp ground cardamom: The star spice that delivers warmth and a delightful aromatic note.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet, floral undertones.
How to Make Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or a light cooking spray to create a non-stick surface that lets the pudding brown beautifully without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and silky. This custard is going to soak into the bread and pears, giving you that perfect creamy texture.
Step 3: Soak the Bread and Pears
Gently fold the torn bread chunks and diced pears into the custard mixture. Let the bread soak up the custard for about 15 minutes; this step is crucial for a rich, custardy pudding rather than dry bread pieces.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour your soaked bread and pear custard mixture into the greased baking dish, ensuring the bread is fully submerged. Pop it into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bread pudding to cool slightly — it’s the perfect time to get a little impatient, because the aroma will be irresistible! For a pretty finishing touch, dust with a bit of powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple by dusting powdered sugar over the top, or get a little fancy with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Chopped toasted nuts like pistachios add a wonderful crunch and complement the cardamom spice beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding is rich and filling, so serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a tangy berry compote to cut through the creaminess. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is another classic pairing that never fails to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. This personal touch makes every serving feel special and allows the edges to crisp up nicely for an extra texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store any leftover Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making the second day just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
Freeze leftover pudding in a suitable container, separating portions with parchment paper. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm up leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. You can also microwave individual portions, but it’s best to do short bursts and check often so the pudding stays creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah offer the best texture due to their rich, soft crumb, you can substitute with other day-old bread like French bread or even a sturdy sourdough. Just avoid breads with lots of seeds or grains which may alter the texture.
What if I don’t have cardamom on hand?
If cardamom isn’t available, you could try substituting with cinnamon or a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg. It won’t be exactly the same, but these warm spices will still complement the pears nicely.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Once your bread and custard mixture is assembled, cover and refrigerate it overnight. This will deepen the flavor and make baking the next day very simple. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is this dessert suitable for special occasions?
Definitely. The fragrant cardamom and elegant presentation make this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe a wonderful choice for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy gatherings where you want to impress without fuss.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can adapt by using plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and replace eggs with a flax or chia seed egg substitute. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a tasty, comforting pudding.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and sweetness in this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated with a fragrant spice that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s sure to bring smiles and seconds at your table. So go ahead, dive into this creamy, spiced delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that combines creamy custard with sweet pears and aromatic cardamom. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering a nostalgic flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful to present as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, torn into chunks
- 2 ripe pears, diced
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Bread and Pears: Gently fold the torn bread chunks and diced pears into the custard mixture. Allow the bread to soak up the custard for about 15 minutes to ensure a creamy texture.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the soaked bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure the bread pieces are fully submerged. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes until the pudding is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Using day-old brioche or challah bread helps absorb the custard better and enhances the pudding’s texture.
- If pears are not in season, apples or other firm fruits make good substitutes.
- Letting the bread soak at least 15 minutes ensures a custardy consistency.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
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