Ontario Nectarine Pistachio Bread Pudding
Custard-based bread pudding with fresh Ontario nectarines and chopped pistachios, baked until set and served with caramel sauce. The fruit arranges in a decorative pattern on top, while warm caramel made with brown sugar, butter, and cream complements the spiced bread base.
Ingredients
- 2 cup 2% milkwhole milk1:1none
richer custard
- ¾ cup butter, divided
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 cup soft bread cubescroissant cubes1:1none
buttery, flaky texture
- 4 Ontario nectarines, dividedpeaches1:1none
similar texture and flavor
- ¼ cup raw pistachios, choppedalmonds1:1none
milder nutty flavor
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup 35% creamheavy cream1:1none
richer sauce
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2
Heat milk and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter melts and milk is hot.
- 3
Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the butter mixture.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, two diced nectarines, and pistachios.
- 5
Combine wet and dry ingredients and pour into a greased deep round pan.
- 6
Slice the remaining two nectarines and arrange in a circular pattern on top, pressing slightly into the pudding.
- 7
Bake uncovered until set, 40 to 45 minutes.
- 8
While pudding bakes, whisk together brown sugar, butter, and cream in a medium saucepan.
- 9
Bring caramel to a boil for one minute, then remove from heat.
- 10
Serve bread pudding warm with caramel sauce.
Tips
Arrange nectarine slices in an overlapping circular pattern for visual appeal.
Ensure pudding is set in the center before removing from oven.
Serve caramel sauce warm for best flavor and consistency.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Caramel sauce stores separately up to 1 week.
Bread pudding can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve. Caramel sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated.
Warm bread pudding with warm caramel sauce drizzled over or served on the side. Optional garnish of additional chopped pistachios.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip tempering the eggs to avoid curdled custard.
Do not overbake to avoid a dry, rubbery texture.
Do not let caramel boil longer than one minute to avoid burnt, bitter sauce.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
slightly tarter
buttery, flaky texture