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Bread Pudding With Pears Recipe

Bread Pudding With Pears Recipe - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

There’s something about comfort food that feels like a warm hug. You know the kind I’m talking about: rich, satisfying, and sometimes a bit indulgent. Bread pudding with pears tops the list of sweet delights that takes me straight back to my childhood. 
Growing up, I watched my grandmother whip up this classic dish, transforming leftover bread and ripe, juicy pears into a masterpiece.
Today, I want to share this comforting recipe with you. It’s more than just a dessert; it tells a story that celebrates simple ingredients and the magic of home cooking. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate humble bread into something extraordinary, keep reading.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 loaves rustic artisan bread, sliced into ¾-inch strips, crusts removed 1-pound
  • 4 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • 2 cups velvety heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup creamy unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups premium baking flour all-purpose
  • 1 1/4 cups fine granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/4 cup rich molasses-infused brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 teaspoons pure vanilla bean extract, divided
  • 1/4 cup fragrant pear liqueur
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon warm aromatic cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 pinch freshly grated cinnamon

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Bread
  1. Start with your rustic artisan bread. Slice it into strips about ¾ inch thick. Make sure to remove the crusts; this will ensure your pudding has a soft and pleasing texture.
    Place the bread strips on a baking sheet and let them get a little stale. Don’t rush this; stale bread helps absorb the custard better. Let it sit for about an hour or pop it in a low oven for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half cream. Then, slowly stir in the heavy cream, honey, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Gradually add in the molasses-infused brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Pears
  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the stale bread with the pear slices. Ensure every piece is coated. Then, pour the custard mixture over the bread. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial; it allows the bread to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with some creamy unsalted butter. This will help the pudding not stick and enrich the flavor.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Pour the soaked bread mixture into your greased baking dish. Drizzle the remaining vanilla extract and sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the top. This creates a lovely caramelized top. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the pudding is set in the middle and golden on top.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
  1. Once baked, let the pudding cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps it firm up a bit. Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

Notes

  • Use old bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for this recipe. Fresh bread can become mushy and fail to hold its shape.
  • Choose ripe pears: Make sure your pears are ripe. This enhances the overall sweetness and flavor. Avoid hard pears; they don’t soften enough during baking.
  • Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, feel free to experiment. Cardamom or ginger could provide an exciting twist.
  • Let it soak: Don’t skip the soaking step. Allowing the bread to absorb the custard creates the signature texture that makes bread pudding enjoyable.
  • Serve with flair: Elevate presentation by serving with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.