Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a slice of warm pecan pie and a bowl of creamy bread pudding, I’ve got something that’s going to make your dessert dreams come true: Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! Trust me, this is one of those recipes that will fill your home with the most irresistible, comforting aromas. Think of it as the best of both worlds—rich, caramel-y, nutty pecans combined with the luscious, soft, and decadent bread pudding texture you love. It’s the ultimate dessert that will steal the spotlight at your next gathering or make a simple, sweet night in feel extra special. Ready for a game-changer? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making memories. Picture this: you’re gathered around the table with friends and family, the warm, golden brown edges of this pudding gleaming under the kitchen light, and everyone’s eyes lighting up in anticipation. Here’s why this dish is a crowd-pleaser:

• Versatile: Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or the star of your holiday dessert table, this bread pudding is perfect for any occasion. Imagine serving it at a dinner party, and your guests are asking for the recipe before they even finish their first bite.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge, which means no need for expensive or hard-to-find items.
• Quick and Easy: Don’t let the words “bread pudding” intimidate you! This recipe is super easy to follow and doesn’t require fancy kitchen skills—just a little bit of time and patience for the perfect dessert.
• Customizable: Feel free to make this your own! Add a little extra cinnamon, a dash of vanilla, or swap in your favorite nuts. It’s the perfect base for playing with flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This is the kind of dessert that both kids and adults can’t resist. There’s something about that sweet, gooey caramelized topping and the soft, pillowy bread that just gets everyone to reach for seconds.

Ingredients in Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Here’s the magic of this recipe—it takes just a handful of basic ingredients, but the result is pure heaven. Let’s break it down:

Bread

The base of any good bread pudding! Day-old bread works best because it soaks up all that delicious custard without getting too soggy. You’ll want something sturdy, like French bread or challah, to give it that perfect texture.

Eggs

Eggs create the luscious custard that binds everything together. They help give the pudding its soft, creamy texture and rich flavor.

Milk & Cream

The dream team. Together, these ingredients give the bread pudding its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. You can use whole milk for richness or swap in heavy cream for something even more indulgent.

Sugar & Brown Sugar

A little sweetness goes a long way in bread pudding. The brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like flavor, which is just heavenly when paired with the pecans.

Pecan Pieces

These little guys are what take this bread pudding to the next level. They get toasted and crunchy in the oven, adding that signature pecan pie flavor to the whole dish.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg

These warm spices bring all the cozy vibes to your dessert. Just a pinch makes a huge difference, adding warmth and complexity that everyone will love.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla adds a little something extra and brings everything together with a smooth, aromatic sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! These steps are simple, so you’ll have your warm, fragrant dessert in no time.

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always a good idea to get your oven warmed up before you start assembling your bread pudding, so it’s ready when you are.

Prepare the Bread

Tear your day-old bread into chunks—think big, rustic pieces. Arrange them in a greased baking dish, filling it to the brim. You want every bite to have that soft, custardy texture.

Make the Custard

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened—just what you want to soak into the bread.

Add the Pecans

Gently fold in the toasted pecans. This step ensures every bite has that perfect balance of sweet, nutty crunch.

Pour the Custard Over the Bread

Carefully pour the custard mixture over your bread, making sure every piece is soaked in that luscious liquid. Press down lightly with a spoon to make sure it’s all evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy!

Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard has set. The pudding should be soft and a little jiggly in the center when you shake it gently.

Finishing Touches

Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s almost impossible to wait, but trust me—it’s worth it. This will give the flavors time to settle, and you’ll get that perfect slice every time.

Serve and Enjoy

Dish out warm portions of your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding and enjoy! Maybe serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra indulgence.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

This bread pudding pairs beautifully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Fresh Fruit: A side of berries or a fruit salad will give your dessert a fresh, tart contrast to its sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Serve a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that extra indulgent touch.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm, spiced drink is the perfect pairing for this cozy dessert. Think a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prep this dish the night before, then simply bake it the next day. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or brunch.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of extra spice, throw in a bit of ground ginger or cardamom to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes to warm it up.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free bread to make this recipe work for those with dietary restrictions.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

A1: Definitely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well, so feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prep the bread pudding the night before and store it in the fridge overnight. Bake it the next day for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the bread pudding for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Q5: How do I reheat this dish?

A5: Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?

A6: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra volume.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A7: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but if you need to make it vegan, you can substitute the eggs and dairy with plant-based alternatives.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?

A8: It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or roasted vegetables for a perfect contrast of flavors.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?

A9: You can use a lower-fat cream or milk, and you could even try using less sugar. For an extra health boost, try adding some chia seeds or flaxseed to the mix.

Q10: What’s the best cookware for this recipe?

A10: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, but any medium-sized oven-safe dish will do the job.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is the warm, comforting dessert that your taste buds are begging for. With its sweet, nutty crunch and creamy center, it’s sure to be a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Trust me—this recipe is a showstopper that everyone will love, and it’s ridiculously easy to make! Enjoy the cozy vibes, and don’t forget to share this treat with someone special.

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