Description
A cozy and comforting bread pudding made with tender brioche or challah, sweet diced pears, and warm cardamom in a creamy custard base. Perfect for chilly mornings or as a delicious dessert.
Ingredients
4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup or brown sugar, cardamom, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread and diced pears. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Notes
Swap pears for apples for a seasonal variation.
Use cinnamon instead of cardamom for a classic twist.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
A splash of bourbon can enhance the flavor.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
