Pecan Pie Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

Introduction

If you’re a fan of both pecan pie and bread pudding, then you’re in for a real treat! Pecan Pie Bread Pudding combines the best of both worlds—rich, gooey pecan pie filling infused into soft, custardy bread pudding. This dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something indulgent.

Not only is this dish irresistibly delicious, but it’s also an excellent way to use up day-old bread. Instead of throwing it away, turn it into something magical! Plus, making homemade desserts means you can control the ingredients and sweetness levels.

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding isn’t just a dessert—it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees mouthwatering results.

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

This decadent dessert has everything you need for the perfect bite:

Rich and gooey texture: The pecan pie filling blends beautifully with the soft bread.
Crunchy pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch to every spoonful.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe.
Perfect for holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups day-old bread (French bread, brioche, or challah, cubed)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Bread Pudding Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Place the cubed bread in the dish and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the custard.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the soaked bread.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and set.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Use sturdy bread: Softer bread may become too mushy, so opt for French bread, brioche, or challah.
Let it soak: Allowing the bread to absorb the custard ensures a creamy texture.
Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor.
Don’t overbake: The pudding should be set but still slightly soft in the center.
Make it ahead: Prepare the custard and topping in advance, then assemble and bake when needed.

Variations of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Love experimenting in the kitchen? Try these delicious variations:

Chocolate Pecan Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding: Stir 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the custard for an extra depth of flavor.
Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding: Mix in ½ cup of pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired treat.
Maple Pecan Bread Pudding: Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup for a different sweet touch.

Health Benefits of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

While this dessert is indulgent, it also has some nutritional benefits:

Pecans are packed with healthy fats: They contain monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Rich in fiber: Bread pudding made with whole-grain bread adds dietary fiber.
Good source of protein: Eggs and milk provide essential proteins.
Natural sweetness: Using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can make it a healthier choice.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling?
Yes! You can spread 1 cup of pecan pie filling over the bread before baking for an extra gooey texture.

2. What’s the best bread for bread pudding?
French bread, brioche, or challah work best because they absorb custard without falling apart.

3. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for dairy, and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free bread to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

5. How do I make a single-serving version?
Use ramekins and divide the ingredients into smaller portions. Bake at the same temperature but reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts, bringing together the rich, caramelized flavors of pecan pie with the soft, custardy goodness of bread pudding. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this easy and indulgent recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

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