This Southern-Style Pear Upside-Down Bread Pudding is where comfort meets elegance. Classic bread pudding—a staple of Southern kitchens—is reimagined with brioche cubes soaked in a custard of cream, egg yolks, brown sugar, and vanilla. Baked over sweet slices of Asian pears, it delivers a tender, custardy center with golden edges and caramelized fruit on top. A black plum caramel sets this version apart, blending deep caramel notes with the tart brightness of ripe plums for a flavor that’s both indulgent and balanced. True to Southern tradition, it’s made for sharing—perfect for holidays, Sunday suppers, or dinner parties—and it’s make-ahead friendly: bake, chill, then warm and serve with ice cream, mascarpone, or an extra drizzle of caramel.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Southern Comfort: Classic bread pudding reimagined with brioche and pears.
- Custardy Texture: Rich center with golden, caramelized edges.
- Black Plum Caramel: Tart-meets-sweet sauce adds depth and balance.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake, chill, then warm to serve.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for holidays and Sunday suppers.
