Cinnamon Pear Bread Pudding with Hazelnuts

Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Pear and Hazelnuts

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Servings: 6

Description:
This warm and indulgent Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Pear and Hazelnuts is the perfect comfort dessert to end any meal. The combination of soft cinnamon bread, tender pears, sweet dried cherries, and crunchy hazelnuts offers a delightful contrast in every bite. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, this dessert is sure to impress at your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile treat that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Start by lightly buttering a baking pan. This ensures the bread pudding will not stick and makes serving easier. You can use a 9×9-inch square pan or a similarly sized dish that suits your preference.

2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. At the same time, place a large, shallow pan in the oven for a water bath. This step is crucial to keeping the bread pudding moist as it bakes. Make sure the pan is big enough to hold your baking dish, with the water coming halfway up the sides of the dish.

3. Prepare the Bread:
   Cut the cinnamon bread into strips or cubes, depending on your preference. The bread should be a little stale, as it will absorb the custard mixture more efficiently. Place the bread pieces in the prepared baking dish, layering them evenly.

4. Layer the Fruit and Nuts:
   Peel and core the pear, then slice it into thin pieces. Scatter the pear slices over the bread, followed by dried cherries, cranberries, and toasted hazelnuts. The sweetness of the cherries and cranberries, combined with the crunch of the hazelnuts, adds wonderful texture and flavor to the dish.

5. Make the Custard Mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, brown sugar, heavy cream, and half-and-half. This custard mixture will bind the bread, fruit, and nuts together, creating the rich, velvety texture that makes bread pudding so irresistible.

6. Combine and Let Soak:
   Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and fruit layers. Use a spoon to gently press down on the bread, ensuring all of the pieces are soaked with the custard. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the bread to fully absorb the custard.

7. Sprinkle Powdered Sugar:
   Once the bread has absorbed most of the custard, sprinkle the entire top of the bread pudding with powdered sugar. This step not only adds a touch of sweetness but also creates a delicate, crunchy topping once baked.

8. Bake in a Water Bath:
   Place the baking dish into the prepared water bath in the oven. This will help cook the pudding gently, keeping it moist and tender. Bake the bread pudding for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. You can check for doneness by gently inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

9. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the bread pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious served warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little caramel sauce or fresh pear syrup.

Additional Tips:

• Choosing Bread: For the best results, use slightly stale bread. Fresh bread may absorb the custard too quickly and result in a soggy texture.

• Substitute the Hazelnuts: If you don’t have hazelnuts on hand, try substituting with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

• Make Ahead: This bread pudding can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold pudding.

• Serving Suggestions: This dessert is versatile and can be served at any temperature, though it is especially comforting when warm. You can also garnish it with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to add an extra level of indulgence.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy with family, this Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Pear and Hazelnuts is a perfect choice. With its balanced combination of sweetness and crunch, it’s bound to become a favorite on your dessert menu.

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