Cozy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe: A Heartwarming Treat

Warm comfort meets Southern charm in this delectable pecan pie bread pudding that promises pure indulgence.

Buttery cubes of bread absorb a silky custard mixture, creating layers of rich, decadent flavor.

Crunchy pecans scattered throughout add delightful texture and nutty depth to every single bite.

Fragrant hints of vanilla and cinnamon weave through the dessert, evoking memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Sweet caramel notes mingle with soft, pillowy bread, transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Variations to Change Up Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Caramel Pecan Paradise: Replace brown sugar with rich caramel sauce, adding extra caramel drizzle after baking for intense sweetness.
• Bourbon Spice Celebration: Incorporate 2 tablespoons bourbon into the custard mixture, sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg for warm, robust flavor.
• Chocolate Pecan Dream: Mix 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips into bread mixture, creating decadent chocolate pockets throughout the pudding.
• Maple Praline Fusion: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup, top with crushed praline pecans before serving for crunchy texture.

Suggested Pairings for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Pair Decadent Bourbon Caramel Sauce: Drizzle rich, smooth bourbon caramel over the warm bread pudding to enhance the nutty pecan flavors and add sophisticated sweetness.
• Create Cinnamon Vanilla Ice Cream Companion: Top the bread pudding with a scoop of homemade cinnamon vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between warm pudding and cold, creamy topping.
• Select Bold Dessert Wine Match: Serve with a glass of sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry, whose intense raisin and caramel notes beautifully complement the pudding's rich, nutty profile.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Safely

• Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and protect from other refrigerator odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove bread pudding from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking between each to prevent overcooking.

FAQs About Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• What are the key ingredients that make this bread pudding unique?

Pecans add a rich, nutty crunch, while the combination of milk and heavy cream creates an incredibly creamy texture that sets this dessert apart from traditional bread puddings.

• Can I use a different type of bread if I don't have French bread?

Yes, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or day-old white bread. The key is to use a bread that can absorb the custard mixture well without falling apart.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden brown top and a set (not liquid) center. When you gently shake the baking dish, the pudding should have a slight jiggle but not be runny.

What Makes Pecan Pie Bread Pudding So Comforting

• Savor Southern Comfort: Indulge in a classic Southern dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table, blending the richness of pecan pie with the comforting texture of bread pudding.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Create a decadent dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a show-stopping sweet treat that everyone will adore.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy warm straight from the oven or serve at room temperature, making it a flexible dessert for any occasion or time of day.

Ingredients Required for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• French Bread: A classic bread that provides the soft and custardy foundation for this dessert.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredients that create a smooth and creamy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm and aromatic flavor to the dessert.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and create a custard-like consistency.

• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add a delightful nutty flavor and texture to the bread pudding.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the top of the dessert.
• Butter: Helps create a rich and golden brown topping for the bread pudding.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Slice the French bread into bite-sized cubes and transfer them to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create the Custard Base

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and allow them to absorb the liquid for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Nutty Crunch

Gently fold chopped pecans into the bread mixture, distributing them evenly.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish and carefully pour the bread pudding mixture into it.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and melted butter until well blended.

Step 8: Drizzle the Topping

Generously drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the bread pudding.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a set pudding texture.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful dessert.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess in the bread pudding.
• Allow bread cubes to soak in the custard mixture for at least 10 minutes to ensure maximum absorption and creamy texture.
• Use day-old French bread for better texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the liquid more effectively.
• Create a richer dessert by drizzling caramel sauce or adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving warm.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that maintains the dessert's creamy consistency.