Decadent Butterscotch Pear Bread Pudding
Indulge in this mouthwatering Decadent Butterscotch Pear Bread Pudding, a delightful fusion of rich butterscotch flavor and tender, juicy pears enveloped in a creamy custard soaked into perfectly cubed Italian bread. This recipe, discovered in a long-forgotten magazine, showcases how simply adding ripe Bartlett pears elevates traditional bread pudding into an extraordinary dessert experience. Warm, comforting, and perfect for gatherings, this dish promises to become a favorite that you'll love to share with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Butter
1/2 cup (melted)
Eggs
2 (large)
Egg Yolk
1 (large)
Whole Milk
3 cups
Whipping Cream
1 cup
Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons
Ground Nutmeg
1 teaspoon
Bread (Italian or other dense type)
8 cups (cubed)
Bartlett Pears
3 (peeled and cubed)
Melted Butter
1 tablespoon
Sugar
1 tablespoon
Butter
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Brown Sugar
2/3 cup (for sauce)
Water
1 tablespoon
Light Corn Syrup
1/3 cup
Whipping Cream
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1 egg yolk, 3 cups whole milk, 1 cup whipping cream, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg until thoroughly combined. Gradually whisk in the prepared brown sugar mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
3
Toss in 6 cups of cubed bread, pressing down gently to submerge. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.
4
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and butter a 3-quart baking dish.
5
Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into the prepared dish, then evenly arrange the cubed pears over the top. Pour the remaining custard mixture over the pears.
6
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of bread cubes on top, pressing them down gently to moisten. Brush the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar, ensuring an even coating.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
8
Once baked, let the pudding cool for 30 minutes before preparing the sauce.
9
For the butterscotch sauce, melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and 1/3 cup light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking occasionally.
10
Remove from heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons of whipping cream until smooth and glossy.
11
Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzled generously with the homemade butterscotch sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Butterscotch Pear Bread Pudding?
It is a rich dessert featuring Italian bread cubes soaked in a creamy butterscotch custard, layered with fresh Bartlett pears and topped with a homemade butterscotch sauce.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for Italian bread or another dense type of bread to ensure it holds up well during the soaking and baking process.
Can I use a different type of pear besides Bartlett?
Yes, while Bartlett pears are recommended for their juicy sweetness, other varieties like Bosc or Anjou can also be used.
Do the pears need to be peeled?
Yes, the pears should be peeled and cubed to ensure a smooth and tender texture within the pudding.
How long should I soak the bread in the custard?
The bread should sit in the custard mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to fully absorb the liquid.
Why is soaking the bread important?
Soaking ensures the bread is completely saturated with the custard, resulting in a moist and uniform texture rather than dry pockets.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C) for a gentle and even bake.
How long does the bread pudding take to bake?
The baking time is typically between 1 hour and 1 hour 10 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown, the center should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
What size baking dish is required?
A 3-quart baking dish that has been buttered is required for this recipe.
Can I use 2% milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture, but 2% can be used if you prefer a slightly lighter version.
What is the purpose of adding an extra egg yolk?
The additional egg yolk adds extra richness and helps create a more velvety custard texture.
How long should the pudding cool before serving?
It should cool for 30 minutes after baking to allow the custard to set properly before drizzling with sauce.
What ingredients are needed for the homemade butterscotch sauce?
You will need butter, brown sugar, water, light corn syrup, and whipping cream.
How do I make the butterscotch sauce?
Melt butter, stir in sugar, water, and syrup, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and whisk in the whipping cream.
Is the butterscotch sauce served hot or cold?
The sauce is best served warm, drizzled generously over the warm bread pudding.
Can I substitute the light corn syrup in the sauce?
While corn syrup provides the best consistency, you could try golden syrup or honey, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What gives the pudding its butterscotch flavor?
The flavor comes from the mixture of brown sugar and melted butter that is whisked into the custard base.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding and let it soak in the fridge, but it is best baked fresh for the ideal texture.
How should I store leftover bread pudding?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat the bread pudding?
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for individual servings.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday dessert?
Absolutely, the flavors of nutmeg, pear, and butterscotch make it perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would be a wonderful addition to provide some crunch.
What can I serve with this bread pudding besides the sauce?
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the warm pudding.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dessert as it contains no meat products.
Why do I need to brush the top with melted butter and sugar?
This step creates a slightly crisp, caramelized golden crust on the top bread cubes.
What should the custard look like before adding the bread?
It should be smooth and thoroughly combined, with the brown sugar mixture fully incorporated into the eggs and milk.
Can I use canned pears instead of fresh?
Fresh pears provide the best texture, but if using canned, ensure they are well-drained and not overly soft.
What type of vanilla extract is recommended?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended to provide the most authentic and deep flavor.