This pecan pie bread pudding combines the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie with the comforting texture of bread pudding. It’s a delightful dessert that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.
The recipe is simple and uses day-old bread, eggs, milk, sugar, and pecans to create a sweet and satisfying dish that can be served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creating the Perfect Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Pecan pie bread pudding is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, bringing together the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of bread pudding.
This dish is an ideal choice for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cozy night in. The combination of toasted pecans and sweet custard creates a warm and inviting dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Using day-old bread not only reduces waste but also enhances the texture of the pudding, allowing it to soak up the custard beautifully. The result is a golden-brown treat that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of pecan pie bread pudding lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Day-old bread serves as the foundation, while chopped and toasted pecans add a delightful crunch. A mixture of eggs, milk, and heavy cream creates a rich custard base, sweetened with brown sugar and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon.
Optional toppings, such as caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, elevate this dessert to new heights. The combination of warm pudding with cold ice cream and a drizzle of caramel is simply irresistible.
Step-by-Step Preparation
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
Cubing the bread and chopping the pecans can be done in advance, making the assembly process quick and easy. Once the bread and pecans are combined, whisk together the custard ingredients until smooth.
Pour the custard over the bread mixture, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes helps the bread absorb the liquid, resulting in a moist and flavorful pudding.
Baking to Perfection
Once combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes.
The pudding should be golden brown on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean, indicating that it is ready to be served.
Let it cool slightly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The aroma wafting from the oven will surely entice everyone in the house!
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the warm pudding with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The contrast of temperatures and textures creates a delightful experience with each bite. Whole pecans can be used as a garnish, adding a rustic charm to the presentation.
This dessert is not only visually appealing but also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed at a holiday gathering or a simple family meal, pecan pie bread pudding is sure to impress.
Storing and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy.
Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the pudding to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for a few days, making it a convenient option for dessert throughout the week.
When ready to enjoy again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven. A quick drizzle of caramel sauce before serving will bring back that fresh-baked flavor.
Delicious Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
This bread pudding features a custard base infused with vanilla and brown sugar, mixed with toasted pecans and chunks of bread. It takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake, serving 6-8 people.
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and chopped pecans. Set aside.
- Make the Custard: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pecans, gently stirring to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g