Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that channels both nostalgic comfort and festive flavor, Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is about to become your newest obsession. Imagine pillowy cubes of rich bread soaked in a custard kissed with cinnamon, swirled with brown sugar and toasted pecans, and baked until golden and luscious. Topped off with a drizzle of bourbon sauce or a scoop of ice cream, it’s a sweet Southern classic reimagined with an irresistible twist. Whether you’re sharing it at a holiday table or enjoying a cozy night in, this decadent bread pudding will steal the show—and your taste buds won’t forget it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component brings something special, from the richness of cream to the crunch of pecans—and when they come together, the results are simply enchanting.
- Day-old bread (6 cups, cubed – French bread, challah, or brioche): Stale or day-old bread soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy, providing structure and heartiness.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): The star of this dessert, pecans deliver signature crunch and that unmistakable nutty sweetness.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds moisture and richness to the custard, making every bite creamy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup for custard, plus 1/2 cup for sauce): Creates a decadent, indulgent texture—the kind that feels extra special.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for binding everything together and giving structure to the pudding.
- Brown sugar (1 cup for custard, 1/4 cup for sauce): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness reminiscent of traditional pecan pie.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Infuses richness and helps achieve a golden, luxurious custard.
- Maple syrup or corn syrup (1/4 cup): Mimics the gooey filling of pecan pie, giving that classic flavor twist.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon if using in sauce): Lends a warm, mellow background note that ties everything together.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a touch of warmth and spice, enhancing the comforting aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the lovely flavors.
- Bourbon (1 tablespoon, optional for sauce): Adds a heady, caramel undertone if you’re feeling adventurous—otherwise, vanilla extract works beautifully too.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Pecans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps ensure easy serving and gorgeous slices. Cube up your day-old bread and toss it into the prepared dish along with those fragrant chopped pecans. If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toasting the pecans beforehand will unleash a next-level nuttiness!
Step 2: Whisk the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, maple (or corn) syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Give everything a good whisk until smooth and velvety. This dreamy mixture is the heart and soul of your bread pudding, soaking into every morsel of bread.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the bread and pecans, making sure it’s distributed evenly. With clean hands or the back of a spoon, gently press down the bread so each cube is fully saturated. Let this sit for 15 minutes—this short rest ensures every bite soaks up maximum flavor and custard.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dish uncovered into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, slightly crisp topping and a just-set center. When it’s ready, your kitchen will smell like heaven—that signature aroma is truly half the joy of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding.
Step 5: Make the Bourbon Sauce (Optional)
For those who want a finishing flourish, whip up the bourbon (or vanilla) sauce. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter; simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Off the heat, swirl in the bourbon or vanilla. The sauce thickens as it cools and adds a grown-up sweetness to every serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Dive into the warm bread pudding while it’s fresh, and top it off with a decadent drizzle of the sauce, a scoop of ice cream, or a swirl of whipped cream. Whether it’s a dinner party centerpiece or a quiet family night, this dish never fails to impress.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms a great dessert into a truly delightful showstopper. Try sprinkling extra toasted pecans on top for crunch, a dusting of powdered sugar for a little elegance, or a swirl of homemade whipped cream to contrast the warmth with cool creaminess. For an extra indulgent finish, drizzle each slice with that golden bourbon sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding plays incredibly well with simple, understated sides—think a cup of bold coffee or a pot of black tea to balance the sweetness. At a brunch table, you can pair it with a savory egg casserole, seasonal fruit salad, or even crispy bacon for delicious contrast. For a holiday feast, serve it alongside vanilla custard or roasted pears for a truly decadent spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try cubing the bread pudding and serving it in petite ramekins or jars for an adorable, packable dessert. Layer slices with whipped cream and nuts for a playful trifle. Or, if you’re feeling bold, create a build-your-own bread pudding bar with different toppings—chocolate chips, toasted coconut, or caramel sauce—so guests can craft their perfect bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is one of those rare desserts that actually gets better with time. Cover leftovers well and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, the texture stays lovely, and those pecans keep their bite. Just keep in mind the sauce should be stored separately if you have any left.
Freezing
Craving a taste down the road? Let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Individual slices can also be frozen for a quick dessert fix—just remember to freeze sauce in a separate container.
Reheating
To recreate that freshly-baked magic, warm your bread pudding in a 350°F oven (cover with foil to prevent drying out) for about 15-20 minutes, or zap individual portions in the microwave until just heated through. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then drizzle generously before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While French bread, challah, or brioche are classic picks for their sturdiness and rich flavor, you can experiment with whatever you have on hand. Even croissants or cinnamon swirl bread will add their own unique twist to the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding.
Should the pecans be toasted before adding?
For maximum flavor and crunch, toasting the chopped pecans for a few minutes before mixing them in is a great idea. Just a quick roast on a sheet pan until fragrant will amplify their nutty goodness in the finished bread pudding.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
Your cue that the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is ready is a golden-topped pudding with a center that’s just set and springs back gently when touched. If you’re unsure, insert a butter knife in the center—it should come out mostly clean with no obvious wet custard.
Can I make this recipe without the bourbon sauce?
Definitely! The bourbon sauce is completely optional and can be swapped for an extra splash of vanilla if you’re keeping things alcohol-free. A traditional caramel or even a classic drizzle of maple syrup works just as beautifully.
Is it possible to prepare the bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread and custard mixture the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven as directed.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is proof that a few humble ingredients, a little bit of love, and a dash of creativity can yield dessert magic. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to spoil yourself, one bite is all it takes to see why this recipe is such a treasured favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people—your kitchen might just become everyone’s favorite gathering spot!
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Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. This decadent dessert combines the best of both worlds, with the classic flavors of pecan pie infused into a luscious bread pudding. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread (cubed – French bread, challah, or brioche)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Bourbon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cubed bread and chopped pecans evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, sugars, melted butter, syrups, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pecans, ensuring the bread is soaked. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Make the bourbon sauce: Simmer cream, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in bourbon or vanilla.
- Serve: Drizzle bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Toast the pecans for extra flavor.
- This dessert tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
