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Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding – A Fragrant & Cozy Dessert

Bread pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—soft, custardy, and rich with layers of flavor. This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding takes the traditional dish to new heights by pairing the sweet, mellow flavor of ripe pears with the warm, citrusy spice of cardamom and a hint of orange zest. Unlike basic bread pudding, this version feels elegant enough for dinner parties yet still cozy enough for family gatherings. It combines day-old French bread with a luscious custard made of eggs, milk, cream, butter, and spices. The pears add sweetness and texture, while the cardamom infuses every bite with a fragrant, slightly floral flavor. Whether you serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or topped with whipped cream, this bread pudding is a beautiful balance of rustic comfort and refined flavor.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Pudding
  • 12 cups French bread cut into cubes (day-old preferred)
  • 3 pears peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ¾ cups double cream
  • 8 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ¼ cup orange juice plus another ¼ cup to replace brandy
  • 2 teaspoons ground cardamom
  • 1 pinch ground cardamom for topping
  • 10 cardamom pods optional, for infusion
For Topping
  • 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar raw sugar

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish (or large casserole dish)
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Zester or microplane
  • Wooden spoon
  • Oven
  • Optional:
  • Mortar and pestle (for crushing cardamom pods)
  • Fine mesh strainer (for custard)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread & Pears
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
  3. Spread bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  4. Arrange pear slices over the bread.
Step 2: Make the Custard
  1. In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, butter, orange zest, and cardamom pods (if using) until warm but not boiling.
  2. Remove cardamom pods, if added, and set mixture aside.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs & Sugar
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, orange juice, and ground cardamom.
  2. Slowly whisk in the warm milk-cream mixture until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble Pudding
  1. Pour custard evenly over bread and pears, pressing bread gently to absorb liquid.
  2. Let rest for 10 minutes so custard soaks in.
  3. Sprinkle top with turbinado sugar and a pinch of cardamom.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, until golden brown and custard is set in the center.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Enjoy warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of honey.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30–40 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Apple-Pear Pudding: Add thin apple slices with pears for more fruit flavor.
Nutty Version: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds.
Citrus Twist: Replace orange zest with lemon for a brighter flavor.
Caramel Pear Bread Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
Chocolate Pear Pudding: Add ½ cup chocolate chunks for a decadent twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use other bread besides French bread?
Yes, brioche, challah, or sourdough all work.
Do pears need to be ripe?
Slightly firm pears are best—they soften in the oven without becoming mushy.
Can I skip the orange zest?
Yes, but it adds a bright flavor that balances sweetness.
Do I have to use cardamom pods?
No, ground cardamom alone works fine. Pods just deepen the flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
Why add turbinado sugar on top?
It gives a crunchy, caramelized finish.
What’s the texture supposed to be?
Soft and custardy in the middle, with a slightly crisp top.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed warm.
What toppings go best?
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or honey drizzle.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert with a sophisticated twist. The creamy custard, tender pears, and fragrant cardamom create a flavor combination that feels both cozy and elegant.
Perfect for fall and winter dinners, holidays, or anytime you want a unique dessert, this bread pudding is sure to become a favorite. Serve it warm and fragrant, and watch it disappear fast!