If you love pecan pie and bread pudding, get ready for the ultimate dessert mash-up: Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! This indulgent treat combines soft, custardy bread, crunchy caramelized pecans, and a rich, buttery pecan pie sauce that soaks into every bite. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just a cozy night in, this recipe will blow your mind!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
✅ 6 cups brioche or French bread, cubed – Soft yet sturdy, perfect for soaking up flavor.
✅ 1 cup whole milk – Adds richness.
✅ 1 cup heavy cream – For that extra decadent texture.
✅ 4 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
✅ 1 cup brown sugar – Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors.
✅ 1 teaspoon cinnamon – A warm spice for depth.
✅ ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – A touch of cozy spice.
✅ ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
✅ 1 ½ cups chopped pecans – For a nutty crunch.
For the Pecan Pie Sauce:
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter – The base of the sauce.
✅ 1 cup brown sugar – Creates a caramelized richness.
✅ ¼ cup heavy cream – For a silky texture.
✅ ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweet flavor.
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
✅ ½ cup pecans, chopped – For extra crunch!
🔬 The Science Behind Its Unique Texture
What makes this bread pudding extra special? It’s all about how the ingredients work together:
- Soaking the Bread – The custard mixture permeates the bread, ensuring a creamy interior while keeping the edges crispy.
- Eggs & Dairy – These bind and thicken the pudding, creating that luxurious, smooth texture.
- Caramelization – Brown sugar and butter melt together, giving the sauce a deep, rich flavor that seeps into every bite.
This science-backed combination makes every bite heavenly!
🍞 How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
🔹 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
🔹 Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
🔹 Place the cubed bread in the dish and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Custard
🔹 In a bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
🔹 Pour the mixture evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
🔹 Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
🔹 Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
Step 3: Bake the Bread Pudding
🔹 Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
🔹 Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and set.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Sauce
🔹 In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
🔹 Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla.
🔹 Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
🔹 Stir in pecans and remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
🔹 Pour the warm pecan pie sauce over the bread pudding.
🔹 Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
🔹 Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
✨ The Magic of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
What makes Pecan Pie Bread Pudding so irresistible?
- 🍞 Soft, Custardy Center – The bread absorbs the buttery, spiced custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 🥧 Pecan Pie-Inspired Flavor – Classic brown sugar, butter, and pecans give it that sweet, nutty, and caramelized taste.
- 🍯 Rich Pecan Sauce – A buttery brown sugar glaze seeps into every bite!
- 🏡 Cozy & Comforting – Perfect for holidays, brunch, or a sweet indulgence.
- ⏳ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it in advance for stress-free entertaining!
One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
🎯 Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
✔️ Use Day-Old Bread – Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.
✔️ Let the Bread Soak – Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before baking for a creamy texture.
✔️ Don’t Overbake – The center should be set but still soft for the best texture.
✔️ Use Dark Brown Sugar – It has more molasses, giving it a richer caramel flavor.
✔️ Add Bourbon or Maple Syrup – A splash of either enhances the flavors!
Follow these tips, and your bread pudding will be perfect every time!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥧 Comforting & Cozy – Warm, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.
🍯 Tastes Like Pecan Pie in Every Bite – That gooey, caramel-like sauce is everything!
⏳ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it the night before for easy baking.
🎉 Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
🍦 Pairs Perfectly with Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla for pure bliss.
🏆 Storage and Freezing Tips
To store your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding:
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 30 seconds.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
✨ Top with Whipped Cream – Adds a light, airy contrast.
✨ Serve with Ice Cream – Vanilla, butter pecan, or caramel ice cream is heavenly.
✨ Drizzle with Maple Syrup – For extra sweetness.
✨ Pair with Coffee – The perfect cozy dessert and drink duo.
No matter how you serve it, this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is guaranteed to impress!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche or French bread?
A: Yes, but brioche or French bread gives a richer, more luxurious texture.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
Q: How do I prevent my bread pudding from being too dry?
A: Make sure to let the bread soak for at least 15 minutes before baking and don’t overbake it.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips or raisins?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips add a sweet touch, and raisins bring a chewy texture.
🍽️ Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is rich, buttery, and packed with warm flavors that make every bite unforgettable. With its soft custardy center, crunchy pecans, and caramel-like sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort dessert.
So, grab your ingredients and get baking—because one bite of this, and you’ll be hooked! 😍🥧🍯
