Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding With Orange Caramel Sauce: A Warm, Spiced Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
Few desserts capture the warm, nostalgic comfort of home quite like bread pudding. But when you take that classic base, fold in soft caramelized pears, and infuse the entire dish with floral cardamom, something magical happens—especially when finished with a buttery orange caramel sauce that feels like sunshine poured over every bite. This Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding with Orange Caramel Sauce is everything a cozy dessert should be: warm, soft, aromatic, indulgent, and just a touch elegant.
Bread pudding has deep roots in frugal home cooking—born from the desire to turn leftover bread into something satisfying and delicious. Its simplicity makes it timeless, but its versatility is what makes it exciting. With seasonal fruit, spices, and custard upgrades, bread pudding becomes a dessert you’d proudly serve at a dinner party, holiday gathering, or even a casual family night.
This version leans into autumn and winter flavors, pairing ripe pears with cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, and a luscious citrus caramel. Each bite is layered with warm spice, tender fruit, buttery richness, and the bright lift of orange. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a kitchen smell like comfort itself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. It’s Pure Cozy Comfort
Bread pudding is naturally warm and soul-soothing. The custard soaks into the bread, turning each cube into a soft, almost soufflé-like texture with slightly crisp edges.
2. Pear and Cardamom = A Perfect Pairing
Cardamom brings floral, citrusy depth that complements ripe pears beautifully. The combination tastes elegant but familiar.
3. The Orange Caramel Sauce Sets It Apart
Traditional caramel is great—but caramel infused with fresh orange zest and juice? It transforms the entire dessert with brightness and depth.
4. Flexible and Forgiving
Use stale bread, fresh bread, brioche, challah, French bread—whatever you have. Bake it in one dish or divide into individual ramekins.
5. Great for Holidays and Make-Ahead
You can assemble the pudding earlier in the day and bake when ready. The orange caramel reheats perfectly.
Ingredients
Because the flavors shine through best when the ingredients are fresh and aromatic, each component contributes something essential—warmth from the spices, richness from the custard, freshness from the pears, and sweetness from the caramel.
FOR THE BREAD PUDDING
- 5 cups cubed brioche or French bread (preferably slightly stale)
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp melted butter
FOR THE ORANGE CARAMEL SAUCE
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prep Your Bread
Cut your brioche or French bread into cubes and let them sit out for 1–2 hours to dry slightly. This helps the custard absorb evenly without making the pudding soggy.
2. Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- eggs
- whole milk
- heavy cream
- granulated sugar
- brown sugar
- vanilla
- cardamom
- cinnamon
- salt
Whisk until smooth and silky.
3. Add Pears and Bread
Place the cubed bread and diced pears into a buttered baking dish. Pour the custard over the top and gently press the bread down so each piece absorbs the liquid. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes.
4. Bake
Drizzle melted butter over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
5. Make the Orange Caramel
While the pudding bakes:
- Add sugar to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Let it melt, swirling occasionally but not stirring.
- Once amber, whisk in butter.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream.
- Add orange zest, orange juice, and salt.
- Simmer 1–2 minutes until smooth.
6. Serve
Spoon warm pudding into bowls and drizzle generously with orange caramel sauce.
Cardamom Pear Bread Pudding with Orange Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Place bread cubes and diced pears in the baking dish and pour custard over them. Let soak 15 minutes.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top and bake 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
- For the caramel, melt sugar in a saucepan without stirring until amber. Whisk in butter, then cream.
- Add orange zest, orange juice, and salt; simmer briefly until smooth.
- Serve warm bread pudding with warm orange caramel sauce.
Notes
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
Use Slightly Stale Bread
It absorbs custard beautifully without falling apart.
Try Different Bread Types
Brioche or challah makes a richer pudding, while French bread gives more structure.
Balance Your Pears
Choose ripe but firm pears so they hold their shape during baking.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Just 10 minutes helps it set and makes scooping easier.
Variations
1. Apple-Pear Combination
Use half apples, half pears for a fruitier, slightly tarter profile.
2. Add Nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and warmth.
3. Ginger Version
Add ½ tsp ground ginger for an even more aromatic twist.
4. Chocolate Drizzle
Skip the caramel and serve with melted dark chocolate for a less sweet version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Add extra orange zest on top for brightness.
- Plate individually with a caramel swirl for a restaurant-style presentation.
Fun Food Story / Cultural Context
Bread pudding has traveled across cultures for centuries—appearing in European kitchens, Caribbean desserts, Middle Eastern sweets, and American holiday tables. Its foundation is always the same: turning humble bread into something special. This version borrows inspiration from Middle Eastern cardamom desserts, classic American caramel sauces, and European pear pastries. The result is a dessert that feels both familiar and exotic—perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
