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Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding with Orange Caramel Sauce

A warm, custardy bread pudding layered with tender pears, fragrant cardamom, and finished with a bright orange caramel sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Pudding
  • 6 cups brioche bread cubed
  • 3 pears peeled and sliced
  • 3 eggs large
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Orange Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream warm
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 2 tbsp orange juice fresh

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a baking dish.
  2. Layer bread cubes and pear slices evenly in the dish.
  3. Whisk eggs, cream, milk, sugars, spices, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour custard over bread mixture and press gently to absorb.
  5. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
  6. Prepare caramel by melting sugar, then whisk in butter and cream.
  7. Stir in orange zest and juice; simmer briefly.
  8. Serve bread pudding warm with orange caramel sauce.

Notes

Best served warm; caramel can be made ahead.