PREP TIME: 15 MINS
COOK TIME: 1 HOUR
SERVES: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 eggs
• 120g icing sugar, sifted
• 300ml Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream
• 300 mL Devondale Long Life Full Cream Milk
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• 4 slices café-style fruit loaf
• Devondale Dairy Soft Unsalted Butter Blend (for spreading on bread)
• 1 pear, peeled and cored, finely sliced
• 80g dark cooking chocolate, chopped
• 2 tsp raw sugar (added just before baking)
• Icing sugar (to serve)
• Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream (extra)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 160ºC. Lightly grease a 20x15cm baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, icing sugar, Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream, Devondale Long Life Full Cream Milk, vanilla essence, and mixed spice until well combined.
3. Butter the fruit loaf slices and cut them into quarters. Arrange the bread pieces in the baking dish with the buttered side up.
4. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring that there is some space between the bread pieces to create pockets of custard when cooked.
5. Arrange the finely sliced pear in between the bread slices, and then scatter the chopped chocolate over the top. Sprinkle the raw sugar over the mixture.
6. Place the baking dish in a larger roasting pan and carefully pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the baking dish, creating a water bath.
7. Place the pudding in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the custard is just set. If the pudding begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through the cooking time.
8. Once the pudding is cooked, remove it from the oven and serve it dusted with icing sugar. Optionally, drizzle with extra Devondale All Rounder Thickened Cream before serving.

Enjoy this delicious and indulgent dessert with the rich flavors of fruit, chocolate, and creamy custard!

Here are a few variations you can try for this bread pudding recipe:

1. Nutty Delight:
   • Add a cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the custard mixture for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
   • Consider using a nut-flavored liqueur (such as Amaretto) in place of vanilla essence for a unique twist.
2. Fruity Fusion:
   • Experiment with different fruits based on what’s in season. Try berries, peaches, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.
   • You can also use fruit-flavored bread or brioche for an extra fruity flavor.
3. Spiced Comfort:
   • Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the custard mixture.
   • Consider soaking the fruit slices in warm spices (like cinnamon or ginger) before arranging them in the dish.
4. Chocolate Lovers:
   • Instead of using chopped chocolate, incorporate chocolate chips or chunks into the custard mixture for a more consistent chocolate flavor.
   • You can use flavored chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for a richer taste.
5. Caramel Bliss:
   • Drizzle caramel sauce over the bread slices before adding the custard mixture for a sweet and gooey addition.
   • You can also add a teaspoon of caramel extract to the custard mixture for extra caramel flavor.
6. Savory Spin:
   • Go for a savory version by omitting the sugar and vanilla essence. Instead, use cheese and herbs (such as cheddar and chives) to create a savory bread pudding.
   • Incorporate cooked vegetables (like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms) for a more robust flavor.
7. Boozy Boost:
   • Infuse the custard mixture with a splash of your favorite liqueur or spirit, such as rum, brandy, or Kahlúa.
   • Soak the fruit slices in the chosen liquor before arranging them in the dish for a boozy kick.