If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert with the magical flavor of classic southern pie, let me introduce you to Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! What you get in each bite is pure decadence: buttery bread cubes baked in a rich, creamy custard, jam-packed with sweet, nutty pecans, all crowned with a golden, crisped-up top. This is the sort of treat that turns simple ingredients into show-stopping comfort food, perfect for holidays or any time you crave a warm homemade dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dessert is all about simple pantry staples coming together for a truly memorable treat. Every ingredient in this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding plays a crucial role, from the texture of the bread to that signature brown sugar-cinnamon richness.
- Day-old French bread (6 cups, cubed): Day-old bread soaks up the custard without falling apart, giving perfect texture in every bite.
- Chopped pecans (1 ½ cups): The star here! These bring crunch, toasty richness, and unmistakable pecan pie flavor.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs bind the custard and keep it luxuriously creamy and set.
- Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Adds a caramel note and deep, warm sweetness reminiscent of classic pecan pie.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Gives the custard a silky, classic base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): For extra richness; you’ll love the luxurious mouthfeel it brings.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Balances out the flavors and sweetens the custard.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (½ cup): Infuses every bite with buttery goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A must for depth and warmth—don’t skip it!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Makes all the sweet and nutty flavors pop.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a soft spice that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving (optional): Because a dollop of cool creaminess takes it totally over the top!
How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This gives you a generous dessert that’s perfect for serving family-style, and greasing the pan ensures those luscious edges release easily when you slice in.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
Grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until it all melds into a silky-smooth custard. This flavorful blend is the heart of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, infusing every piece with sweetness, warmth, and buttery goodness.
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Add the cubed bread to the custard and stir gently until every chunk is well coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes; this allows the bread to soak up that glorious custard, ensuring the pudding bakes up tender inside with a lush, creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Assemble
Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed for that wonderful nutty crunch in every bite. Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the center is just set but still a little jiggly. The aroma will absolutely fill your kitchen! Let it cool slightly before slicing, so every serving holds its shape—but don’t wait too long, because this dessert is at its absolute best when served warm!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Garnishes
For a finishing touch that makes this dessert truly irresistible, top each portion with a swirl of freshly whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. An extra sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon will wow anyone lucky enough to snag a slice.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is indulgent enough to stand alone, but if you’d like something light on the side, it pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a small seasonal fruit salad—the sweet-tart notes help balance the richness. For a fall or winter feast, serve alongside hot spiced cider or coffee for the coziest finish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try baking individual servings in ramekins for a stunning plated presentation. You could also drizzle with caramel sauce or a bourbon glaze for an added southern twist. Feeling festive? Garnish with a few candied pecans and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for true dessert drama!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pecan Pie Bread Pudding keeps beautifully. Let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This bread pudding freezes really well! Cut cooled pudding into slices, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F until warmed through and the top gets a little crisp again. Short on time? You can microwave individual servings for 30–40 seconds, but the oven method restores the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While French bread is classic for its airy crumb and ability to hold custard, you can use brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white sandwich bread for a slightly different texture (and all are delicious in this pecan pie bread pudding).
Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting the pecans is optional but highly recommended—it intensifies their nutty flavor and keeps them crisp during baking. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then cool before adding to your mixture.
Can I make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the unbaked pudding, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake as directed (you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold).
Is there a way to make it boozy?
For an adults-only twist, stir in a tablespoon or two of bourbon with the custard ingredients. The flavor is fantastic paired with the pecans and spices, taking this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding to another level!
What’s the best way to keep leftovers moist?
Keep leftovers tightly covered and store in the fridge. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream over each slice to refresh its creaminess and prevent it from drying out in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding truly captures the best of both worlds—classic pecan pie and old-fashioned bread pudding—making every scoop a little celebration. Once you taste the rich custard, toasted pecans, and golden, buttery crust, you’ll look for any excuse to serve it again. I hope you share this recipe with loved ones and make it part of your sweetest traditions!
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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 and comforting flavors of Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. This decadent treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed day-old French bread
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional for Serving:
- Whipped cream or ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Add Bread and Rest: Add bread cubes to the mixture, stirring until coated. Let sit for 10 minutes for bread to absorb the liquid.
- Include Pecans: Stir in chopped pecans, then pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set. Cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- To enhance flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
- For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
