Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
If you love the rich, gooey sweetness of pecan pie but want something a little different, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is the dessert you’ve been waiting for! This indulgent treat combines the beloved flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of bread pudding. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
The crisp, caramelized pecans, the warm spiced custard, and the subtle maple syrup make each bite feel like a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. The bread soaks up the sweet custard, becoming soft and flavorful, while the chopped pecans add that irresistible crunch that you just can’t get enough of. It’s decadent yet comforting, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress guests with its deep, nutty flavor and satisfyingly rich texture.
Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a treat, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is an all-time favorite. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of decadence.
What You’ll Need
To make this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and some fresh ingredients to bring it all together. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed (about 6-8 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors. Day-old French bread is key because it soaks up the custard mixture without turning too soggy. The heavy cream and milk create a rich, creamy custard, while the brown sugar adds sweetness and depth. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and spice, while the maple syrup and pecans add that unmistakable, cozy flavor reminiscent of pecan pie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is an easy process that combines simple ingredients into a comforting dessert. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with non-stick spray to prevent the bread pudding from sticking. This will ensure the dessert comes out with a lovely golden-brown crust. - Cube the French bread
Slice the day-old French bread into cubes. The cubes should be about 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. Since the bread is a little dry, it will soak up the custard mixture better, ensuring the pudding has a lovely, creamy consistency. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out a bit or lightly toast it. - Mix the custard base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This is the custard base that will soak into the bread cubes. Make sure to whisk everything thoroughly so the sugar dissolves completely and the spices are evenly distributed. - Soak the bread
Add the cubed French bread into the custard mixture and gently stir until all the bread is soaked. Let the bread sit in the custard for about 10-15 minutes. This step allows the bread to absorb the liquid and become soft, creating the perfect texture for the bread pudding. - Add the pecans and maple syrup
Once the bread has soaked up the custard, fold in the chopped pecans. Add the maple syrup and stir gently to combine. The pecans will provide a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor, while the maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, caramel-like undertone. - Transfer to the baking dish
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Press down gently to ensure that the bread is well-packed and evenly distributed. This helps ensure an even bake. - Bake the pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center. You can check the center by inserting a knife or toothpick – it should come out clean. The edges will be slightly crispy, and the center will be soft and custard-like. - Cool and serve
Once the bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dessert to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.
You can serve the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even some freshly whipped cream.
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to help you make the best Pecan Pie Bread Pudding:
- Use day-old bread
Day-old bread is ideal for bread pudding because it’s a bit drier and will absorb more of the custard mixture without becoming soggy. If you don’t have day-old French bread, leave fresh bread out for a few hours or lightly toast it. - Don’t skip the resting time
After combining the bread with the custard, let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. This will allow the bread to absorb the custard fully and soften. The longer it sits, the better the texture will be. - Toast the pecans
For even more flavor, consider toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the pudding mixture. Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances their nutty taste, making them more aromatic and delicious. - Add extra flavor with extracts
While vanilla is the classic choice, you can also experiment with other extracts like almond or maple to complement the flavors in your bread pudding. Just a teaspoon can make a big difference! - Serve with toppings
This bread pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a topping. Try serving it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.
Variations to Try
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is wonderfully versatile, and you can get creative with different variations to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Add chocolate
If you’re a fan of chocolate, add some chopped chocolate or chocolate chips to the bread pudding. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the crunch of the pecans. - Substitute other nuts
While pecans are the star in this recipe, you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a different flavor and texture, giving you a chance to experiment with your favorite varieties. - Make it boozy
For an adult twist, add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the custard mixture. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a rich, complex flavor that adds depth to the bread pudding. - Use a different bread
If you prefer, you can switch up the bread. Brioche or challah bread will give the pudding a more decadent, buttery texture, while sourdough bread will add a slightly tangy, rustic flavor. - Add fruit
For a fresh twist, add fruit like dried cherries, cranberries, or fresh diced apples to the bread pudding. The fruit will add a natural sweetness and a burst of color.
Storing and Reheating
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is perfect for making ahead of time, and it stores well for a few days.
- Storing
Once the bread pudding has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge. - Freezing
You can also freeze the bread pudding for longer storage. After it has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. - Reheating
To reheat individual servings, you can microwave them for about 30-45 seconds. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, just bake it according to the instructions. - Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, you can use other types of bread, such as challah or brioche. Just keep in mind that different breads will result in slightly different textures, with brioche giving a richer, softer pudding. - Can I make this bread pudding gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Be sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free, such as the vanilla extract and maple syrup. - Can I add more pecans?
Absolutely! If you love pecans, feel free to increase the amount to 1 ½ cups or even more. Adding extra nuts will enhance the flavor and give your bread pudding more texture.
The Final Word
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just indulging in something sweet after dinner. Its rich, comforting flavors of pecans, maple syrup, and warm spices make it the ideal treat for cozy evenings, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with its versatility, you can customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new favorite dessert – it’s a deliciously sweet twist on a classic favorite that’s easy to make and hard to resist!