Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Introduction

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is one of those desserts that manages to strike the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort. When I first tried this recipe, I was immediately struck by how similar it was to two beloved dishes—pecan pie and bread pudding—but with a twist that makes it even more irresistible. The richness of the egg custard, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the gooey sweetness of brown sugar create a decadent dessert that my entire family devoured in no time. It’s the kind of treat that makes the house smell like a bakery, and it’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or just when you want to indulge in something comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

For this delectable dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) loaf day-old French bread
• 2 and ½ cups milk
• 1 cup half & half
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 and ½ cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube your loaf of day-old French bread and place the cubes in a large mixing bowl. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without turning soggy.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, half & half, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined. This will form your custard mixture that soaks into the bread, making it rich and flavorful. Pour this mixture over the cubed bread and allow it to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that the bread soaks up the custard.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Use a fork to blend them together until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will become your topping, adding both crunch and sweetness to the bread pudding.

Step 4: Layer the Bread Pudding

Once the bread has absorbed the custard mixture, it’s time to assemble the pudding. Pour half of the bread mixture into an 8×8-inch baking pan. Spread half of the pecan mixture on top of the bread. Spoon the remaining bread mixture over it, and then top with the remaining pecan mixture. Press down slightly to compact the layers. The pan will be quite full, so place it on a cookie sheet with an edge to catch any overflow.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. The bread pudding is done when the center is slightly wiggly but will firm up as it cools. Keep an eye on the pudding as it bakes to ensure the top doesn’t brown too quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm, but it will also hold up well at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 9 servings (in an 8×8-inch pan)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 370 calories
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 31g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving:

• Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light contrast to the richness of the pudding.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream makes an excellent pairing.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For extra sweetness, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the pudding.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can give it a delicate finish.
• Serve Warm: This dessert is at its best when served warm, allowing the custard to stay gooey.

Additional Tips

1. Use Stale Bread: If you don’t have day-old French bread, you can dry fresh bread in the oven for a few minutes. Stale bread absorbs the custard better.
2. Chill the Pudding Before Baking: If you have time, refrigerate the bread mixture overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld even more and ensure a richer texture.
3. Add Spices: If you want to add some depth to the flavor, consider sprinkling in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
4. Double the Recipe: If you have a large crowd, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan.
5. Make Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding the night before and bake it the next day for a convenient breakfast or dessert.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can adjust it to suit different tastes:

• Add Chocolate: Stir in chocolate chips for a chocolate-pecan bread pudding.
• Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or almonds.
• Substitute for Half & Half: If you want to lighten up the recipe, use whole milk instead of half & half.
• Add Dried Fruit: Raisins, cranberries, or dried cherries would make a great addition to the bread pudding.
• Vegan Version: Swap the butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and flax eggs to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a treat on its own, but here are a few suggestions to serve alongside or complement it:

• Serve with Coffee: A cup of coffee or espresso enhances the flavors of the dessert and makes it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Pair with a Sweet Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine, such as Moscato or Port, pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pudding.
• Complement with a Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread pudding.
• Perfect for the Holidays: This is an excellent dessert to serve during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling, slice the bread pudding into individual portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Storage: Store any leftover bread pudding in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding the night before and bake it the next day.

2. Can I use a different type of bread? While French bread is ideal, you can substitute it with challah, brioche, or even sourdough.

3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can use gluten-free bread and substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

4. Can I use roasted pecans? Yes, roasted pecans will add an extra depth of flavor.

5. Can I make this dessert without eggs? You can try using egg substitutes like flax eggs or aquafaba for a vegan version.

6. How long does it take to bake? It takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes to bake, depending on your oven.

7. What if I don’t have half & half? You can substitute half & half with whole milk or a combination of heavy cream and milk.

8. How do I know when the bread pudding is done? The center should be slightly wiggly but will firm up as it cools.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe? Yes, adding chocolate chips is a great variation.

10. Can I serve this cold? While best served warm, this bread pudding can be served cold or at room temperature.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of bread pudding with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. It’s easy to make, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or as a sweet treat after a cozy meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The creamy, custardy texture, paired with crunchy pecans and a caramelized brown sugar topping, makes every bite a comfort-filled moment.