If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, indulgent dessert that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe. It takes humble day-old French bread and transforms it into a luscious, custardy treat bursting with the rich flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans. Whether you’re serving guests or craving a comforting weeknight dessert, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of gooey sweetness and nutty crunch that pecan pie lovers will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with each ingredient playing a vital role in building deep flavor and texture. From the creamy custard to the crunchy pecans and buttery bread base, every component is essential to achieving that perfect, tempting balance.
- 6 cups cubed day-old French bread: Stale bread absorbs the custard perfectly without falling apart.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Adds creamy moisture and helps create that smooth pudding texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts richness, making the custard ultra-luxurious.
- 4 eggs: Bind the custard together and help it set with a tender, fluffy crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Imparts caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Brings a gentle spice that complements the pecans flawlessly.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- 1½ cups chopped pecans: Provide signature crunch and toasty nuttiness reminiscent of pecan pie.
- ½ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps the top bake up golden and slightly crisp.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This warming up step sets you up for even baking and prevents any sticking, ensuring your bread pudding comes out in perfect squares without a fight.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until silky and smooth. This custard mixture is the heart of the pudding, delivering that creamy texture and rich, comforting flavor that defines this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add the cubed day-old French bread to the custard and gently toss so every piece is coated. Let everything soak for 10 to 15 minutes so the bread absorbs all those luscious flavors, creating a soft, custardy interior once baked.
Step 4: Mix in Pecans and Butter
Fold in the chopped pecans and the melted butter into your soaked bread mixture. The nuts bring that amazing signature crunch, while the butter adds richness and helps the pudding bake up with a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is perfectly golden and the custard has set. You’ll know it’s done when it’s slightly firm to the touch but still moist and tender inside—this is the magic of the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe at work.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, serve your bread pudding warm. It’s wonderful on its own or elevated with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra layer of indulgence that is hard to resist.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for crunch and an eye-catching touch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a swirl of caramel sauce can also add that sweet finishing touch that makes your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pairing with something light is ideal, such as a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries to cut through the richness. A cup of fresh brewed coffee or spiced tea complements the warmth and sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual servings in ramekins for a personal touch or layering with fresh fruit in a trifle dish for an elegant twist. You can even turn this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe into breakfast by topping it with a fried egg and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet-savory surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bread pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers are a treat in their own right.
Freezing
You can freeze this pudding after baking and cooling completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven covered with foil to prevent drying. A light drizzle of cream or butter before reheating can bring back that freshly baked moistness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old French bread provides the best texture, you can substitute brioche or challah for a richer, slightly sweeter pudding. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale so it absorbs the custard well.
Is it necessary to soak the bread for 10–15 minutes?
Yes, soaking the bread allows it to absorb the custard mixture fully, which creates that tender, creamy center we all love in bread pudding. Skipping this step could result in dry or uneven texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What toppings go well with Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe?
Classic toppings include caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. For something different, try a drizzle of bourbon sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the pecan pie flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?
If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans and substitute with dried fruit or chocolate chips. The pudding will still be delicious but will lack the signature crunch of the pecans.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm, delicious celebration on every bite. I encourage you to try making it at home — it’s simple, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Once you do, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a go-to favorite for cozy weekends and special occasions alike.
Print
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Decadent and comforting Pecan Pie Bread Pudding combines custardy bread soaked in a rich mixture of milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, and warm spices, folded with crunchy pecans, then baked to golden perfection. This dessert offers the classic flavors of pecan pie in a cozy, sliceable bread pudding form, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old French bread
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
- ½ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and smooth, forming your custard base.
- Soak Bread: Add the cubed day-old French bread into the custard mixture, stirring gently to coat all pieces. Allow the bread to soak for 10 to 15 minutes so it absorbs the flavors thoroughly.
- Add Pecans and Butter: Fold the chopped pecans and melted butter into the soaked bread mixture, ensuring even distribution of the nuts and rich butter throughout.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm on its own or topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using day-old bread helps it soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.
- You can toast the pecans lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Allow pudding to cool slightly for cleaner slicing but serve warm for best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently before serving again.
