Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding is your answer to cozy, fall-inspired desserts that brings warmth to the table. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding, with juicy pears and a drizzle of rich caramel.

Ingredients for Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding

The star of the show is the brioche bread, which provides a soft, rich base for the pudding. The pears add a natural sweetness and pair beautifully with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Butter is essential for caramelizing the pears, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The eggs, milk, and heavy cream create a creamy custard, and the caramel sauce adds a luscious finishing touch. Don't forget the salt—it balances the sweetness perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your pears are not very ripe, add a tablespoon of sugar while caramelizing them to enhance their sweetness.
  • Use day-old brioche for better absorption of the custard mixture.
  • For a deeper caramel flavor, you can make a homemade caramel sauce from scratch.
  • Let the pudding sit for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding is divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with a glass of spiced cider or a comforting herbal tea for a complete experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, challah or a good quality white bread can substitute brioche, though brioche provides the richest texture.
How can I store leftovers?
Wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the custard and soak the bread a few hours ahead, but it's best baked fresh for optimal texture.

Caramelized Pear Bread Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.

Next, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced pears and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes. You'll know they're ready when they are soft and have a lovely golden hue. Set these aside for later.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Then, slowly add the milk and heavy cream while continuing to whisk. This will create a smooth custard base.

Gently fold the cubed brioche and caramelized pears into the custard mixture. Make sure the bread is thoroughly soaked but be gentle to not break it apart. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A good way to check is by inserting a knife in the center—if it comes out clean, you're good to go.

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before drizzling with caramel sauce. This final step elevates the dish with a silky, sweet finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A comforting dessert that highlights the flavors of ripe pears.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for using up leftover brioche bread.
  • An impressive dish for gatherings and holiday dinners.
  • Combines the sweetness of caramel with a hint of warm spices.

Ingredients

6 cups cubed brioche bread
3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add sliced pears. Cook until pears are soft and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, milk, and heavy cream.
4. Add the cubed brioche and caramelized pears to the egg mixture, gently folding until the bread is well soaked with the custard mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.

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