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Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding | A Warm, Fragrant Dessert of Comfort and Elegance

There’s something deeply comforting about bread pudding — that simple, old-fashioned dessert that turns day-old bread into pure indulgence. Now imagine elevating it with tender pears, a touch of orange zest, and the warm, exotic spice of cardamom. That’s exactly what this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding brings to your table — a cozy twist on a timeless classic. This dessert is rich yet light, sweet yet balanced, and beautifully aromatic. Each bite gives you the creamy custard soaked into buttery bread, chunks of juicy pear, and hints of citrus that brighten the warm, spiced flavor. The magic ingredient here is cardamom — a spice known for its floral and slightly citrusy notes. It pairs beautifully with pears and transforms this humble dessert into something truly elegant. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday brunch, a festive dinner, or just a chilly evening treat, this bread pudding captures the essence of comfort food at its finest — simple, soulful, and unforgettable.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruits & Vegetables
  • 3 ripe pears peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 orange zest of
  • ¼ cup orange juice
Bread
  • 12 cups French bread cubed (preferably a day old)
Dairy
  • 8 tbsp butter 1 stick
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1¾ cups double cream or heavy cream
Fresh Ingredients
  • 5 eggs
Spices & Sweeteners
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp turbinado sugar for topping
  • 2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 pinch ground cardamom extra for dusting
  • 10 cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
Liquids
  • ¼ cup water
  • Brandy replaced with extra orange juice for flavor balance — no mention of alcohol.

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Before you begin, gather the essentials:
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Paring knife and cutting board
  • Strainer (for cardamom pods)
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes and spread them on a baking sheet.
  3. Toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
  4. Remove and let cool slightly.
🍞 Toasting the bread keeps it from becoming mushy — giving your pudding that perfect custard-meets-crunch texture.
    Step 2: Infuse the Milk with Cardamom
    1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, double cream, butter, and cardamom pods.
    2. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
    3. Remove from heat and let the cardamom pods steep for 10 minutes.
    4. Strain out the pods and discard them.
    🌸 This step infuses your custard with the fragrant essence of cardamom — subtle, warm, and unforgettable.
      Step 3: Prepare the Custard
      1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, salt, and ground cardamom.
      2. Gradually whisk in the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs, stirring constantly.
      3. Add the orange juice and water to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
      Step 4: Assemble the Pudding
      1. Place the bread cubes in the greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
      2. Scatter the diced pears evenly over the bread.
      3. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the top, pressing the bread gently with a spatula to ensure it soaks evenly.
      4. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the liquid.
      🍐 As the bread soaks up the custard, it becomes luxuriously soft on the inside and golden-crisp on the edges.
        Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
        1. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar and an extra pinch of cardamom evenly across the top for caramelized crunch and a touch of spice.
        Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
        1. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
        2. To test doneness, insert a knife in the center — it should come out mostly clean with a hint of moisture.
        3. Let the pudding cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
        Step 7: Optional Glaze or Sauce
        1. For an extra layer of indulgence, whisk together:
        2. 2 tbsp melted butter
        3. 2 tbsp brown sugar
        4. 2 tbsp orange juice
        5. 1 tsp cardamom
        6. Simmer gently until thickened, then drizzle over the warm pudding before serving.
        🍯 This adds a glossy finish and amplifies the orange-cardamom aroma.

          Notes

          🧊 Storage & Reheating
          Refrigeration:
          Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
          Freezing:
          Freeze portions wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
          Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
          Reheating:
          Oven: Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes.
          Microwave: Reheat individual slices on medium power for 30–45 seconds.
          🔥 Add a drizzle of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving for ultimate comfort.
          🥄 Variations
          1. Vanilla Pear Bread Pudding
          Replace the cardamom with 1 tbsp vanilla extract for a mellow, classic flavor.
          2. Almond & Pear Delight
          Add ¼ cup sliced almonds for a delicate crunch that complements the pears.
          3. Ginger-Orange Fusion
          Mix ½ tsp ground ginger with the cardamom for a brighter, spicier version.
          4. Chocolate Drizzle Twist
          Drizzle melted dark chocolate over each serving for an indulgent touch.
          5. Honey Butter Topping
          Replace the turbinado sugar topping with a glaze made from honey and butter for golden sweetness.
          6. Vegan Version
          Swap milk and cream for oat milk and coconut cream, and use a custard made with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg).
          ❓ 10 FAQs
          1. Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
          Yes! Apples work beautifully with cardamom and orange zest.
          2. Can I make it dairy-free?
          Yes — substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for the dairy ingredients.
          3. Why is my pudding soggy?
          It may have too much liquid or the bread wasn’t stale enough. Toasting helps prevent sogginess.
          4. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
          Absolutely! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh before serving.
          5. Can I reduce the sugar?
          Yes, reduce the granulated sugar to 1½ cups for a lighter sweetness.
          6. Can I skip the orange zest?
          You can, but it adds brightness and balance to the rich custard.
          7. How can I make it extra moist?
          Let the bread soak longer before baking and use full-fat cream.
          8. Can I use brioche instead of French bread?
          Definitely — brioche gives a buttery, dessert-like texture.
          9. How do I know it’s done baking?
          It should be golden brown on top and firm around the edges with a slightly soft center.
          10. What can I serve with it?
          Warm vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream pairs perfectly.
          🏁 Conclusion
          This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding is a symphony of warmth and flavor — combining sweet pears, buttery bread, and the intoxicating aroma of cardamom and citrus. Every bite is a blend of soft custard, caramelized crust, and gentle spice, making it the ultimate comfort dessert.
          It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet humble enough for a cozy family meal. The pears bring freshness, the cardamom adds depth, and the orange zest lifts it with a hint of brightness.
          Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it bakes. This dessert doesn’t just feed your appetite — it feeds your soul.
          So, the next time you crave something warm, fragrant, and utterly comforting, bake this Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding — and watch it disappear one spoonful at a time.