Description

Indulge in the warmth of Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding, a comforting dessert that beautifully marries the aromatic spice of cardamom with the sweetness of ripe pears. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner. The creamy custard envelops tender bread and juicy pears, creating a satisfying texture that will leave your guests longing for more. Serve it warm with whipped cream or chilled as part of an elegant dessert spread—either way, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

12 cups cubed French bread
2 tbsp butter
3 pears, peeled and diced
5 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup sugar
10 cardamom pods
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp ground cardamom (divided)
2 tbsp raw turbinado sugar (optional)
¾ cup heavy whipping cream (for topping, optional)
¼ cup water
¼ cup orange juice
zest of 1 orange
½ tsp kosher salt
pinch ground cardamom

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine cubed bread with melted butter. Toss until evenly coated. Add diced pears and brown sugar; mix gently.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom until combined.
Pour custard mixture over bread mixture and let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for about 60 minutes until golden brown on top.
Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Use stale French bread for optimal absorption of the custard mixture. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Letting the pudding cool slightly before serving can help it set better for slicing.