Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding

This indulgent Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding is the perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures. Ripe pears are enveloped in a rich, creamy custard that soaks into chunks of rustic bread, creating a soft, pudding-like interior. The top is crowned with a buttery, toffee-flavored crisp that adds just the right amount of crunch. This dessert is perfect for cozy nights in or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of decadence.

Ingredients:

• For the Bread Pudding:
  • 6 cups of cubed day-old bread (French or Italian works best)
  • 3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Toffee Crisp Topping:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup toffee bits

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread Pudding:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and sliced pears. Toss gently to distribute the pears evenly.
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
   • Pour the egg mixture over the bread and pears, ensuring all the bread is coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard.
2. Make the Toffee Crisp Topping:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, chopped pecans (if using), and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Stir in the toffee bits until evenly distributed.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish.
   • Evenly sprinkle the toffee crisp topping over the top.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
4. Serve:
   • Serve warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.

Enjoy the comforting warmth and delightful textures of this Toffee-Pear Crisp Bread Pudding!