Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is the perfect blend of two beloved desserts: rich, creamy bread pudding and sweet, nutty pecan pie. The result is a decadent, comforting dessert with a crispy top, tender bread, and the rich flavor of toasted pecans. Ideal for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this dish brings the warm flavors of pecan pie in a unique, easy-to-make format.

Ingredients

1 loaf of day-old French bread
2 cups of milk
1 cup of heavy cream
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup of pecans, chopped
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the French bread into cubes and place them in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
4. Pour the mixture over the bread cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the liquid.
5. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Pour the bread pudding mixture into a greased baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and melted butter.
8. Drizzle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the bread pudding.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for extra warmth and flavor.
• Fruit Add-ins: For a fruity twist, try adding chopped apples or pears along with the pecans.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a flax egg mixture instead of the eggs for a vegan version.
• Chocolate Lovers: Stir in some chocolate chips or chunks to make a chocolate-pecan bread pudding.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds per serving or in the oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, while French bread works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with other types of bread like challah or brioche for a richer texture.
2. Do I have to use day-old bread? Day-old bread absorbs the custard mixture better, but fresh bread can be used as well. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes lightly before adding them to the mixture.
3. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pudding up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it the next day as directed.
4. How do I know when the bread pudding is done? The pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
5. Can I add more pecans? Absolutely! You can increase the amount of pecans if you love the nutty flavor. Just be sure not to overload the mixture as it may affect the custard consistency.
6. Is this bread pudding served warm or cold? Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is best served warm for a creamy texture and to enjoy the sweet, buttery topping.
7. Can I use canned pecans? Yes, canned pecans work just fine. Be sure to toast them lightly before adding them to the pudding to enhance their flavor.
8. Can I make this without heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses French bread, which contains gluten. You can use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
10. Can I serve this with ice cream or whipped cream? Yes, serving this bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even more indulgent!

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding combines the best elements of two classic desserts—bread pudding and pecan pie—into one irresistible dish. With its creamy texture, crunchy pecans, and sweet syrupy topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether served warm as a comforting treat after dinner or shared as a festive holiday dessert, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Easy to make, comforting, and delicious, this bread pudding will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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