If you have a soft spot for comforting desserts that blend rich, buttery flavors with a touch of Southern charm, then you simply must try this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe. Imagine buttery cubes of French bread soaked in a luscious custard, studded with toasted pecans, and baked until golden brown—with caramel sauce drizzled on top for an extra layer of indulgence. It’s like pecan pie met bread pudding at a dinner party and decided to create something magical and unforgettable. This dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or anytime you want to spoil yourself with a warm, satisfying treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and warmth in this dish. From the day-old French bread’s sturdy crumb to the fragrant cinnamon and crunchy pecans, everything comes together beautifully.
- 6 cups day-old French bread cubes: Day-old bread soaks up custard perfectly without turning mushy.
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings richness and depth to the pudding’s texture.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and give a silky custard consistency.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Offers warm molasses notes that complement the pecans.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps caramelize the top.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds buttery flavor and helps tenderize the bread.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the custard with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a gentle spice that warms every bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors, preventing it from tasting flat.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: Toasted for crunch, flavor, and that signature pecan pie taste.
- Caramel sauce (optional): A luscious drizzle to finish and elevate the dessert.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Custard
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your pudding won’t stick. Then, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, both sugars, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This custard mixture is the heart of the dish, promising that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave in a bread pudding.
Step 2: Soak the Bread Cubes
Gently stir in the French bread cubes, making sure each piece gets cozy and soaked with that luscious custard. Let this mixture breathe for 10–15 minutes; this resting time is key for the bread to absorb all those delicious flavors without falling apart.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans carefully to distribute their delightful crunch and nutty flavor evenly throughout the pudding. Toasting them beforehand is highly recommended for an extra boost of aroma and taste.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pour your custard-soaked bread and nuts into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top gently. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center feels set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing at this point!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give the bread pudding at least 10 minutes to cool and set before serving. For a decadent finish, drizzle with warm caramel sauce or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect way to bring all those flavors together.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream instantly elevates this dessert. For a truly indulgent experience, a warm drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a mouthwatering contrast between warm and cold, soft and creamy.
Side Dishes
This bread pudding shines on its own but can pair joyfully with a simple cup of black coffee or spiced chai to balance the sweetness. For holiday gatherings, a fresh fruit compote or a tangy berry sauce adds a bright pop that cuts through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation or layering slices with toasted pecans and caramel between the layers on a dessert platter to wow your guests. You can even spice things up by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover pecan pie bread pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying the next day or two without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, this bread pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place the whole dish in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warmed through—this helps maintain the crisp top and creamy interior. You can also microwave slices covered loosely with a paper towel for a quick fix, though the texture is best preserved in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While day-old French bread is ideal for its texture and absorption, sturdy breads like brioche or challah work wonderfully too, lending even more richness.
Do I have to toast the pecans first?
Toasting pecans isn’t mandatory, but it really deepens their flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that complements the custard perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe contains no meat products and is a great vegetarian dessert option.
Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?
You can assemble it and let it soak overnight in the fridge before baking, which will intensify the flavors, just adjust the baking time accordingly as the pudding will be colder initially.
What’s the best way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milk, and use a vegan butter alternative to keep the richness without dairy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe—it’s that warm hug of a dessert that feels like home in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday crowd or treating yourself after a long day, it never disappoints. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to whip up a dessert that will quickly become your new favorite. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!
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Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a decadent Southern-inspired dessert combining the comforting textures of day-old French bread soaked in a rich custard with the sweet crunch of chopped pecans. Baked to golden perfection and optionally drizzled with caramel sauce, it offers a delightful twist on classic pecan pie with a warm, cozy appeal perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Custard & Bread Base
- 6 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Nuts & Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Caramel sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Add the cubed day-old French bread to the custard mixture. Gently fold the bread cubes until they are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard thoroughly.
- Incorporate Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the soaked bread and custard mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the center is set and the top has turned a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bread pudding cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce for added sweetness and serve warm.
Notes
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness and indulgence.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream to lighten the custard.
- Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
- Use day-old bread to ensure proper custard absorption and prevent sogginess.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before slicing to help it set and maintain shape.
