Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of fall, this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. The aromatic cardamom pairs beautifully with sweet, ripe pears, creating a delightful dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its creamy texture and inviting spices, this bread pudding is not only a delicious way to use leftover bread but also a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of the season.

Harriet Collins

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-01T16:06:15.061Z

This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of fall flavors and a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table.

Perfect for Fall Gatherings

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm dessert to bring people together. This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding encapsulates the cozy feel of autumn with its inviting flavors and aromas. Whether you are hosting a festive Thanksgiving dinner or a casual fall gathering, this delectable dessert will surely impress your family and friends.

The combination of cardamom and pears not only highlights the seasonal bounty but also brings a sophisticated twist to a classic dish. The rich, creamy texture of the pudding complements the soft and juicy pears, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. This dish is sure to spark nostalgia and conversations, making it the centerpiece of any autumn meal.

Utilizing Leftover Bread

One of the best aspects of this bread pudding recipe is its ability to transform stale bread into a sensational dessert. There's no need to waste perfectly good bread; instead, give it a new life in this wonderful dish. Stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully, ensuring that each bite is infused with creamy goodness.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can use any variety of leftover bread you have on hand—whether it's French, Italian, or even bakery-style. By using what you already have, you’re not only cutting down food waste but also creating a dessert that is uniquely yours. Encourage your creativity and experiment with different bread types to discover your favorite combinations!

A Dash of Exotic Spice

Cardamom is often overlooked in the kitchen, but this aromatic spice elevates the flavor profile of the bread pudding to new heights. Its warm, earthy tones pair perfectly with the sweetness of the pears, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and exotic. Cardamom is known for its ability to enhance other flavors, making it a star ingredient in this recipe.

Not only does cardamom add depth to the dish, but it also comes with a range of health benefits. This versatile spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may aid in digestion. By incorporating cardamom into your baking, you're not just treating your taste buds but also adding a wellness touch to your dessert.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

  • 4 cups stale bread, cubed
  • 2 ripe pears, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Butter for greasing

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious bread pudding:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.

Prepare the Bread Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced pears, and ground cardamom. Toss gently to ensure even distribution.

Mix the Custard

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Combine and Bake

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pears, gently pressing down to submerge the bread. Let it sit for 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding, there are a few ways to enhance the experience. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich pudding. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slowly over the warm bread pudding.

Drizzling a light caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can also add additional layers of flavor and texture. Serve it warm, directly from the oven, so your guests can enjoy every bite at its best. The comforting aroma that fills your kitchen will be a warm invitation to everyone gathered around the table.

Storage Tips

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, storing your Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is quite straightforward. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When stored properly, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient dessert to enjoy throughout the week.

To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore the creamy texture. Don’t hesitate to top each serving with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cardamom before indulging again.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this bread pudding in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

→ Can I substitute the pears?

Absolutely! Other fruits like apples or peaches could work well too.

Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding

Warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of fall, this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. The aromatic cardamom pairs beautifully with sweet, ripe pears, creating a delightful dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its creamy texture and inviting spices, this bread pudding is not only a delicious way to use leftover bread but also a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of the season.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time1 hour 5 minutes

Created by: Harriet Collins

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups stale bread, cubed
  2. 2 ripe pears, diced
  3. 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  4. 2 cups milk
  5. 1 cup heavy cream
  6. 3/4 cup sugar
  7. 4 large eggs
  8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. Butter for greasing

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, diced pears, and ground cardamom. Toss gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 04

Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pears, gently pressing down to submerge the bread. Let it sit for 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 8g