Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding Recipe

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding.

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding is a rich, comforting dessert that beautifully blends the deep, indulgent flavour of chocolate with the delicate sweetness of ripe pears.

Originating from South Africa’s Free State region, this pudding reflects a tradition of hearty, home-style baking that brings warmth to the table.

The pears are typically poached or gently softened, allowing their natural juiciness to infuse the dish, while the chocolate batter or sauce creates a luscious, velvety texture.

Recipe and images courtesy of South African Fruit.

How To Make A Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding:

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding. Hello friends, so how are you today? Happy Mother’s Day. So any fun plan for today?

We are staying in and not going too far as we are still adapting to my Daughters new gluten-free diet.

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding anyone? Yummy.

This fabulous bread and butter pudding is made with brioche or Italian Panettone with dark chocolate chips and South African pears for a delicious twist.

Delicious!

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding:

As it bakes, the pudding develops a slightly crisp top layer that contrasts with the soft, moist interior beneath.

The chocolate flavour is bold but balanced, complementing rather than overpowering the fruit.

Often served warm, it pairs wonderfully with custard, cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts into the pudding and enhances its richness.

This dessert is especially popular during cooler months, offering both comfort and a sense of indulgence.

Its rustic charm lies in its simplicity, yet the combination of ingredients creates a sophisticated flavour profile that feels both nostalgic and special, making it a favourite for family gatherings and cosy evenings alike.

Preparation: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking) | Cooking time: 35 minutes

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 50g butter, softened
• 5 slices brioche or Panettone (weighing about 250g in total)
• 2 South African pears, peeled, cored and sliced
• 50g dark chocolate, chopped into chunks (or use dark chocolate chips)
• 2 large eggs
• 250ml semi-skimmed milk
• 150ml single cream
• 30g caster sugar
• 1tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Sauce:

• 2tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2tbsp caster sugar
• 50g dark chocolate drops
• 300ml semi-skimmed milk

How To Make Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding:

How To Make Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding:

1. Use a small knob of the butter to grease a 1.5 litre baking dish. Spread the remaining butter over the slices of brioche or Panettone. Cut into smaller pieces, then arrange in the dish with the pears. Sprinkle the chocolate chunks over the top.
2. Beat together the eggs, milk, single cream, caster sugar and vanilla extract. Leave for a few minutes so that the sugar dissolves, then slowly pour into the dish.
3. Cover the dish with cling film and leave to stand for at least 30 minutes. If you want to cook the pudding later, refrigerate until required.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas Mark 4. Bake the pudding for 30-35 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. Cool for a few minutes while making the sauce.
5. 5 Put all the ingredients for the chocolate sauce into a non-stick saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly with a small whisk until smooth and thickened. Serve with the pudding.

Cook’s tip: Serve with single cream or crème fraiche instead of chocolate sauce.

This campaign is run by HORTGRO, the industry association representing South African fruit growers.

Recipe and images courtesy of South African Fruit.

So what do you think of this Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding recipe? Do you also fancy trying it?

You might also like these recipes:

Firstly, How To Make Elgin Valley Peach Blatjang.

This wonderful chutney is made with South African peaches or nectarines flavoured with onion, sultanas and spices.

It’s a traditional accompaniment to Bobotie, a South African classic dish, and it tastes fantastic with cold meats and cheeses.

Get The recipe Here: How To Make Elgin Valley Peach Blatjang.

South African Pink Lady, Stilton And Caramelised Pecan Salad:

Secondly, South African Pink Lady, Stilton And Caramelised Pecan Salad.

Are you also looking for a nice and tasty salad ideas?

Fancy something with a crunch? How about trying out this South African Pink Lady, Stilton & Caramelised Pecan Salad? So tasty.

Also, Get The recipe Here: South African Pink Lady, Stilton And Caramelised Pecan Salad.

Thirdly, Pink and Delicious South African Baked Apples. 

How about this for a quick and delicious dessert?

Golden Lady and Pink Lady Delicious apples that have been cored and scored around the middles, then stuffed with dried fruits, orange zest, and ground almonds, then baked till soft.

Is there enough room for a scoop of ice cream on the side?

Pink and Delicious South African Baked Apples. Pink and Delicious South African Baked Apples.

Fourthly, How To Make A South African Energy Bowl. 

So, do you fancy making this Energy Bowl? Made with South African fruits.

The majority of South African fruit is grown in the Western Cape of the country. A combination of Mediterranean climate, steep hills and excellent soils helps produce some of the world’s most delicious and high-quality fruit. 

How To Make A South African Energy Bowl. So much fun to make.

South African Peach And Thyme Filo Tarte Tatin:

South African Peach And Thyme Filo Tarte Tatin:

Last but not least, so today I am sharing a  recipe created by Nicola Millbank (using South African peaches, available in UK supermarkets until the end of April). 

South African Peach And Thyme Filo Tarte Tatin. So yummy.

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding:

Free State Chocolate Pear Pudding.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I also hope you liked this post. You Might Also Like My Latest Posts.

Claire Justine Oxox- Over 50s Lifestyle Blog. You can also read more about me here: Over 50s Lifestyle Blog. 

I also hope you liked this post.  Also, follow Along On Facebook And Instagram for more posts.