The Ultimate Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Nestled in the heart of southern comfort, this pecan pie bread pudding whisks traditional desserts into a delightful culinary adventure.

Creamy custard meets caramelized pecans in a symphony of sweet indulgence.

Warm, gooey textures mingle with rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Homemade magic happens when classic bread pudding encounters the beloved pecan pie’s decadent essence.

Each spoonful promises a nostalgic journey through buttery, nutty landscapes.

Crumbled bread soaks up luxurious custard, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

What Makes Pecan Pie Bread Pudding So Delicious

• Craft a Southern Comfort Dessert: Transform classic bread pudding into a luxurious pecan pie-inspired treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Requires minimal culinary expertise, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to create an impressive dessert without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Gatherer: Ideal for family reunions, holiday celebrations, and potluck events where you want to serve a dessert that sparks conversation and delights everyone's taste buds.
• Adaptable Kitchen Magic: Easily customize by using different bread types, adjusting sweetness levels, or adding extra spices to match personal preferences or seasonal moods.

Ingredients Needed for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Day-Old Bread Cubes: Sturdy bread that absorbs the custard mixture perfectly and creates a rich texture.

• Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a luxurious and creamy base that binds the bread pudding together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and depth of flavor to the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Add warmth and aromatic complexity to the custard.

• Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that complements the sweet bread pudding.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel-like richness of the topping.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the pecan mixture and adds richness.
• Corn Syrup: Creates a sticky, sweet glaze that coats the pecans.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the pecan topping.

How to Prepare Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Stepwise

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Bread Cubes

Spread the bread cubes across the baking dish in an even, inviting layer that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Create Creamy Custard Base

• Eggs
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon

Pour this luscious mixture over the bread, gently pressing to ensure every cube gets a luxurious bath.

Let the bread soak up the goodness for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Pecan Topping

• Pecans
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Corn syrup
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the pecans are completely coated in this sweet, sticky goodness.

Step 5: Distribute Pecan Mixture

Spoon the pecan mixture evenly across the soaked bread, creating a crunchy, caramelized top layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Helpful Tips for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Success

• Press bread cubes gently to ensure complete absorption of the creamy egg mixture for maximum flavor and soft texture.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Let bread pudding rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow proper liquid absorption and prevent dryness.
• Cover with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to ensure even cooking.
• Enjoy the bread pudding fresh out of the oven for the most decadent and gooey dessert experience.

Variations for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

• Maple Bourbon Pecan Bread Pudding: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile that enhances the nutty pecans.
• Chocolate Pecan Bread Pudding: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips between bread layers and mix cocoa powder into the custard base for a decadent chocolate-infused version.
• Caramel Apple Pecan Bread Pudding: Fold diced caramelized apples into the bread mixture and drizzle with salted caramel sauce after baking for a fruity, sweet adaptation.
• Coconut Rum Pecan Bread Pudding: Incorporate shredded coconut into the pecan topping and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, then add a touch of rum for tropical flair.

What Goes Well With Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Boost Bourbon Pairing: Sip a smooth, caramel-rich bourbon that complements the pie's sweet, nutty profile and echoes the dessert's warm, rich flavors.
• Southern Sweet Tea Companion: Serve a chilled, slightly sweetened iced tea that cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing contrast to the dense bread pudding.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Topper: Scoop creamy, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm bread pudding to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast that enhances every bite.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle Finish: Drape a light salted caramel sauce over the bread pudding to amplify the dessert's depth and add an extra layer of indulgent sweetness.

How to Store Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Safely

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp top.

Heat individual servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add extra 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use brioche, challah, or day-old white bread. Avoid using very crusty or very soft bread as they might affect the texture.

• Is this dessert very sweet?

The sweetness is balanced with sugars and corn syrup, but you can reduce brown sugar if you prefer a less sweet version. The pecans add a nice nutty flavor that cuts through the sweetness.

• How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a set center. When you gently press the center, it should be firm and not liquid. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible pecan pie bread pudding merges classic Southern comfort with indulgent dessert magic. Warm spices and caramelized pecans create a luscious blend that transports you to a sweet culinary paradise.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup

Spices and Extracts:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease.
2. Distribute bread cubes uniformly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Create a luscious custard by thoroughly whisking together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gently pour the custard over bread cubes, carefully pressing down to ensure complete absorption. Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes, letting bread soak up the rich liquid.
5. Craft a decadent pecan topping by combining pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla in a separate bowl, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated.
6. Delicately spread the pecan mixture across the soaked bread, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.

Notes

• Choose slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for maximum moisture absorption and rich flavor.
• Allow bread to soak exactly 10 minutes to maintain perfect structure without becoming mushy.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version, and use gluten-free bread for celiac-friendly option.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the decadent pecan pie bread pudding experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg