Cozy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Pecan pie bread pudding enhances humble ingredients into a luxurious dessert that whispers Southern comfort and warmth.

Sweet memories of family gatherings dance through this indulgent creation, blending classic flavors with innovative culinary techniques.

Home bakers find themselves enchanted by the rich, custardy texture that promises pure decadence in every bite.

Crisp pecans scattered across a golden, velvety surface create a symphony of crunch and softness that delights the senses.

Nostalgic yet modern, this dessert bridges traditional baking methods with contemporary twists that elevate a simple concept.

Warm aromas of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts promise an irresistible experience that beckons you to the kitchen.

The magic happens when classic ingredients mingle, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Helpful Advice for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Soak Bread Thoroughly: Let bread absorb liquid mixture completely for maximum flavor and custardy texture.
• Layer Carefully: Create even layers of bread and pecan mixture to ensure consistent taste in every bite.
• Check Doneness Smartly: Watch for slightly jiggly center, which indicates perfect custard-like consistency.
• Prevent Overflow: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch potential drips and protect your oven from messy spills.
• Cool Patiently: Allow bread pudding to rest and set for 20-30 minutes, helping it maintain its shape when serving.

How to Keep and Reheat Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, preserving its delicious texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a small splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Perfect Pairings with Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Sip Bourbon Bliss: Pair this decadent pecan pie bread pudding with a smooth Kentucky bourbon. The caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon beautifully complement the rich, nutty flavors of the dessert.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, silky texture contrasts perfectly with the warm, custardy bread pudding, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding. This extra layer of indulgence amplifies the pecan pie-inspired flavors and adds a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Enjoy with Coffee: A hot cup of dark roast coffee or a creamy cappuccino provides a robust counterpoint to the sweet, nutty dessert. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the pudding's rich, sugary profile.

Different Ways to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Chocolate Decadence: Transform the classic recipe by mixing in dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder into the bread mixture, creating a rich, indulgent chocolate version of the pecan pie bread pudding.
• Bourbon Caramel Infusion: Add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture and drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving, giving the dessert a sophisticated adult twist.
• Tropical Paradise: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut to the topping, incorporating a hint of pineapple extract for a Hawaiian-inspired bread pudding experience.
• Apple Cinnamon Comfort: Fold in diced apples and sprinkle ground cinnamon into the bread mixture, topping with a streusel-like crumble for a warm, autumnal version of the original recipe.

Top Reasons to Bake Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Indulge in Decadent Comfort: This bread pudding transforms classic pecan pie into a soul-warming dessert that wraps you in pure culinary comfort with its rich, caramelized flavors and soft, custardy texture.
• Master a Make-Ahead Marvel: Perfectly designed for busy bakers, this recipe allows you to prep in advance, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings, holidays, or spontaneous sweet cravings without complicated techniques.
• Maximize Pecan Pie Perfection: By layering pecans and creating a butter-brown sugar mixture, this dessert captures the essence of traditional pecan pie while offering a more forgiving, shareable format that serves a crowd with minimal fuss.
• Enjoy Effortless Elegance: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery, impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Bread: Stale or day-old bread works best for absorbing custard and creating rich texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the pudding.
• Milk, Half & Half: Creamy liquid base that creates smooth, luxurious custard.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pudding.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic flavor to the dessert.

• Butter (Softened): Creates rich, moist texture and helps bind the pecan mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel flavor and helps create a sticky, sweet topping.
• Pecans (Chopped): Provides nutty crunch and signature pecan pie flavor.

• Baking Dish: 8×8-inch pan ensures proper cooking and portion size.
• Cookie Sheet: Catches potential overflow during baking, preventing oven mess.

Steps to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Prepare Bread Base

• Cut bread into bite-sized cubes
• Place cubes in a large mixing bowl

Step 3: Create Custard Mixture

• Eggs
• Milk
• Half & half
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Pour the creamy mixture over bread cubes and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Pecan Topping

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Chopped pecans

Step 5: Layer the Pudding

• Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish
• Pour half of the soaked bread mixture
• Sprinkle half of the pecan mixture
• Add remaining bread mixture
• Gently press down
• Top with remaining pecan mixture

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place the dish on a cookie sheet with 1-inch edges to catch any potential overflow.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until the center is slightly wobbly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the pudding rest for 20-30 minutes to set and become firm.

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan pie bread pudding delivers Southern comfort with rich caramel and toasted pecans nestled in custardy bread. Sweet memories from grandmother’s kitchen melt into one irresistible dessert you cannot resist sharing with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) day-old French bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

Dairy and Liquids:

• 2 ½ cups (590 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) half & half
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter (softened)

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (330 grams) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Transform bread into bite-sized cubes, spreading them evenly across a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Craft a luxurious custard base by whisking eggs, milk, half & half, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Gently cascade the custard mixture over bread cubes, allowing the bread to luxuriously absorb the liquid for 5-10 minutes.
4. Create a crumbly pecan topping by blending softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until the texture resembles coarse, moist sand.
5. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
6. Distribute half of the saturated bread mixture into the prepared dish, ensuring even coverage.
7. Sprinkle a generous layer of the pecan crumble across the initial bread layer.
8. Carefully layer the remaining bread mixture on top, gently pressing down to compact the ingredients.
9. Crown the dish with the remaining pecan crumble, creating a decadent, textured surface.
10. Position the baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch potential overflow during baking.
11. Slide the assembled pudding into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing it to bake for 45-55 minutes until the center maintains a subtle wobble.
12. Remove from oven and let the pudding rest for 20-30 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize before serving.
13. Slice into 16 servings, or adjust portion sizes to personal preference, and enjoy this indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Prepare the baking dish ahead of time by generously greasing it to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• Use day-old bread for the best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively and creates a more luxurious pudding.
• The pecan topping creates a caramelized, crunchy layer that mimics the classic pecan pie flavor, adding depth and richness to the dessert.
• Place the baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch any potential overflow and protect your oven from messy spills during baking.
• Allow the bread pudding to rest and cool for at least 20-30 minutes, which helps the custard set and makes slicing and serving much easier.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg