Description
This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert combining the comforting texture of bread pudding with the sweet, nutty flavors of pecan pie. Featuring cubed French bread soaked in a creamy custard infused with cinnamon and vanilla, then topped with crunchy pecans and baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect holiday or fall treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Nuts
- 1 loaf (about 14 ounces) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Arrange Bread and Pecans: Spread the cubed French bread evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the chopped pecans uniformly over the top to distribute the nutty flavor throughout.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and pecans in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread cubes to help them soak up the custard thoroughly, ensuring a moist texture.
- Soak Bread: Let the mixture sit, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully, which will enhance the creaminess of the final pudding.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pudding is done when the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor, optionally adding caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream as a delicious accompaniment.
Notes
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- You can prepare this bread pudding ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
- Use day-old French bread for the best texture as it absorbs the custard mixture more efficiently.
- To toast pecans for enhanced flavor, lightly toast them in a dry skillet before sprinkling over the bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
