There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm slice of bread pudding fresh from the oven. This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding brings together the pillowy softness of day-old brioche or French bread with the subtle sweetness of ripe pears, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy custard. Every forkful offers a tender bite of custard-soaked crumbs, bright bursts of pear, and those delicate floral notes of cardamom dancing alongside a hint of cinnamon. It’s a dessert that feels both homey and elegant, perfect for cozy evenings, weekend brunches, or sharing at gatherings when you want something truly memorable.
Beyond its irresistible flavors, this pudding is a celebration of simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples—and a few fresh pears—you can assemble something that looks like it belongs in a gourmet bakery. You’ll whisk together milk, cream, eggs, and melted butter, sprinkle in fragrant spices, and let the bread soak up all those luscious liquids. When it comes out of the oven, the top is golden and slightly crisp, while the inside remains decadently creamy. Trust me, once you taste that first bite, you’ll be hooked on this effortless yet indulgent treat.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CARDAMOM PEAR BREAD PUDDING
To create a bread pudding that feels both cozy and sophisticated, each ingredient plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Day-old bread
Cubed slices of French or brioche serve as the foundation of this pudding. Stale bread soaks up the custard better, ensuring each bite is moist without turning mushy.
- Ripe pears
Once peeled, cored, and diced, these juicy fruits add natural sweetness and tender pockets of flavor that balance the custard’s richness.
- Granulated sugar
This classic sweetener helps sweeten the custard mixture while contributing to the gentle caramelization on top as it bakes.
- Brown sugar
The molasses notes of brown sugar deepen the flavor profile and add a subtle toffee-like undertone to each bite.
- Ground cardamom
The star spice of this recipe lends a floral, slightly citrusy aroma that sets this bread pudding apart from the usual.
- Ground cinnamon
A warm complement to cardamom, cinnamon brings an earthy sweetness that supports the pears’ natural flavors.
- Salt
Just a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the sugars and rounds out all the other flavors.
- Whole milk
Provides the liquid base for the custard, imparting a creamy mouthfeel and helping the bread absorb moisture evenly.
- Heavy cream
Adds extra richness and silkiness, creating a luxurious custard that’s lush in every forkful.
- Eggs
Whisked into the dairy, eggs act as a thickening agent to set the custard and hold the pudding together.
- Vanilla extract
A splash of vanilla introduces a familiar, sweet aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- Unsalted butter
Melted and mixed in, butter adds a golden richness and helps the pudding brown beautifully on top.
- Sliced almonds (optional)
For a delightful crunch and a nutty contrast, sprinkle these on top before baking.
- Powdered sugar (optional)
A light dusting before serving gives the pudding an elegant finish and an extra touch of sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE CARDAMOM PEAR BREAD PUDDING
Ready to transform simple ingredients into a deliciously cozy dessert? Follow these steps to achieve the perfect balance of creamy custard, tender fruit, and spiced warmth.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it’s fully heated so the pudding bakes evenly and develops that lovely golden crust on top.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This ensures the pudding releases easily and prevents any edges from sticking.
3. Combine the bread and pears in a large mixing bowl. Toss the cubed day-old bread with the diced pears so the fruit is evenly distributed, then set this mixture aside.
4. Whisk the dry spices and sugars in a separate bowl. Blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and salt until they form a uniform sugar-spice mix.
5. Mix the wet ingredients in another bowl. Whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the custard base is smooth and homogenous.
6. Layer the custard by pouring the wet mixture over the bread and pears. Then sprinkle the sugar-spice blend on top. Gently fold with a spoon so each piece of bread is coated and begins absorbing the liquid.
7. Let it rest for 20 minutes. This soaking period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, ensuring every bite is rich and tender.
8. Transfer to the baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking. Smooth the top so it bakes to an even golden brown.
9. Add sliced almonds if using. Scatter them over the surface for extra texture and a beautiful toasted finish.
10. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the custard is set in the center and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. You can test by inserting a knife; it should come out mostly clean.
11. Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool slightly. Allow about 10 minutes of rest time so it firms up a bit and is safer to serve.
12. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. A light sprinkle adds a pretty, sweet touch before you dive into this indulgent dessert.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CARDAMOM PEAR BREAD PUDDING
Serving this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is an opportunity to get creative and make each experience special. Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch or finishing off a festive dinner, these ideas will take your presentation and flavor pairing to the next level.
- Warm with vanilla ice cream
Serve a generous slice while still slightly warm and top with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast in temperature makes each bite truly unforgettable.
- Drizzle with spiced caramel sauce
Elevate the dessert by pouring a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce infused with a pinch of extra cinnamon over the top. It adds a glossy finish and extra sweetness.
- Add whipped cream and toasted nuts
Dollop freshly whipped cream on each slice and sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans alongside the optional almonds for a rich, nutty crunch.
- Plate with fresh fruit
Accompany the pudding with slices of fresh pear or a handful of mixed berries. The bright fruitiness balances the creamy richness and brings a pop of color to your dessert spread.
HOW TO STORE CARDAMOM PEAR BREAD PUDDING
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this indulgent dessert over the next few days without losing its delightful textures and flavors. Whether you’re saving leftovers for a cozy night in or preparing this pudding ahead of time, these methods will help maintain its freshness and taste.
- Room-temperature cover
Once cooled to near room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store on the countertop for up to 4 hours before serving. This short-term method keeps the top crisp and the interior custardy.
- Refrigerator pick-up
Place any cooled leftover pudding in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept fresh for up to 3 days. Before serving, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds.
- Make-ahead prep
Assemble the bread and custard mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate, covered, up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
- Freezer-friendly option
Portion cooled pudding into freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
CONCLUSION
This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors: soft, custardy bread infused with warm spices, pockets of juicy pear, and optional crunchy almonds or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s an easy recipe that welcomes creativity, whether you’re experimenting with different breads, adding raisins, or customizing your favorite toppings. With beginner-friendly instructions and simple ingredients, you can whip this up for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a cozy snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Don’t forget that you can print this article and save it for later so you always have these tips and ingredients at your fingertips whenever the mood for something sweet and comforting strikes. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions you might have about substitutions, storage, or cooking times.
If you give this bread pudding a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment with your own twists—maybe you added a splash of orange zest or swapped in another favorite fruit. Any questions or feedback you have about the process, timing, or ingredients are more than welcome. Let’s keep the conversation going, and happy baking!
Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding
Description
This delightful bread pudding combines tender pears with aromatic cardamom and a creamy custard, creating a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in solo.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and diced pears. Toss together and set aside.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix the milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
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Pour the wet mixture over the bread and pears, followed by sprinkling the sugar mixture over the top. Use a spoon to gently combine everything, ensuring the bread is well coated and begins to absorb the liquid.
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Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
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Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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If using, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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Dust with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness, if desired.
Note
- Cardamom adds a unique floral note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pears.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature; it is delicious either way.
- You can prepare this pudding a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with different bread types or add raisins for an extra dimension.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
