Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Bread pudding. The name itself conjures images of warm kitchens, comforting aromas, and sweet indulgence. But what if you could elevate this classic dessert to new heights with the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie? This Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding recipe does just that, transforming humble bread into a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Forget fussy desserts; this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for weeknight treats or elegant enough for special occasions. Get ready to experience a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated, all in one delightful bite.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** Don’t let the name fool you. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients.
* **Comfort Food with a Twist:** It’s the bread pudding you know and love, but with the irresistible flavors of pecan pie woven throughout.
* **Perfect for Using Leftover Bread:** Got a loaf of bread that’s nearing its expiration date? This is the perfect way to give it new life and create something delicious.
* **Impressive and Versatile:** Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s equally delicious served at room temperature.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and bake it just before serving, making it ideal for entertaining.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. You likely have many of these already in your pantry!
* **Bread:** 1 loaf (about 1 pound) of day-old bread, such as French bread, brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white bread. The drier the bread, the better it will absorb the custard.
* **Eggs:** 6 large eggs. These are the backbone of the custard, providing richness and structure.
* **Milk:** 2 cups of whole milk. Whole milk creates a richer and creamier custard. You can substitute with 2% milk, but the result will be slightly less decadent.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. This adds even more richness and helps create a luxurious texture.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 cup of granulated sugar. Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
* **Brown Sugar:** ½ cup of packed light or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
* **Butter:** ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted. Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender bread pudding.
* **Pecans:** 1 cup of chopped pecans. These are the star of the show, providing that signature pecan pie flavor and a delightful crunch.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
* **Salt:** ¼ teaspoon of salt. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Adds a warm, comforting spice.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional). Adds a subtle warmth and complexity.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding:
**Step 1: Prepare the Bread**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. The size doesn’t have to be perfect, but consistency is key for even baking.
* Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
* Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and dried out. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bread pudding. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
* Remove the toasted bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
**Step 2: Make the Custard**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
* Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
**Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding**
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the bread pudding from sticking to the dish.
* Place the toasted bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the bread cubes.
* Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pecans. Make sure all the bread is submerged in the custard. Gently press down on the bread cubes with a spoon to help them absorb the liquid.
**Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding**
* Let the bread pudding sit for 30 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard. This step is essential for a moist and flavorful bread pudding.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly.
* Bake for 30 minutes.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
* Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
* Cut into squares and serve warm. It’s also delicious at room temperature.
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
* **Use Day-Old Bread:** As mentioned earlier, day-old or slightly stale bread is ideal for bread pudding. It absorbs the custard better and prevents the bread pudding from becoming soggy.
* **Toast the Bread:** Toasting the bread dries it out further, ensuring that it soaks up the custard evenly and doesn’t become mushy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry bread pudding. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Soak the Bread:** Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding. You can even soak it overnight in the refrigerator for an even more intense flavor.
* **Add a Boozy Kick:** For an extra touch of flavor, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon, rum, or whiskey to the custard mixture.
* **Customize Your Pecans:** Toast the pecans before adding them to the bread pudding for an even nuttier flavor. You can also use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds.
* **Serve with Toppings:** Enhance the flavor of your bread pudding with your favorite toppings. Vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar are all excellent choices.
* **Storage:** Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
## Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touches. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the bread pudding for a decadent chocolate pecan pie bread pudding.
* **Dried Fruit:** Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or cherries for a chewy and fruity twist.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice, to create unique flavor combinations.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the custard for a bright and zesty flavor.
* **Salted Caramel:** Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bread pudding before serving for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich and earthy flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
This Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that provides a cool and creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding for an extra layer of sweetness and richness.
* **Whipped Cream:** A light and airy topping that adds a touch of elegance.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple and elegant garnish that adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Fresh Berries:** Add a pop of color and freshness with a handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
* **Coffee or Tea:** The perfect accompaniment to a warm and comforting dessert.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use different types of bread?**
A: Yes, you can use a variety of breads, such as French bread, brioche, challah, or even a sturdy white bread. The key is to use day-old or slightly stale bread.
**Q: Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Assemble the bread pudding as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
**Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?**
A: While you can freeze bread pudding, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.
**Q: My bread pudding is dry. What did I do wrong?**
A: A dry bread pudding is usually the result of overbaking. Be sure to keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven when it’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You can also try increasing the amount of milk and heavy cream in the custard.
**Q: My bread pudding is soggy. What did I do wrong?**
A: A soggy bread pudding can be caused by using fresh bread or not toasting the bread properly. Be sure to use day-old or slightly stale bread and toast it in the oven before assembling the bread pudding. Also, make sure to let the bread soak in the custard for at least 30 minutes to allow it to absorb the liquid evenly.
**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Be sure to check the labels of all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
## Easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread, cubed
* 6 large eggs
* 2 cups whole milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
**Equipment:**
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large bowl
* Whisk
* Baking sheet
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place toasted bread cubes in the dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
4. Pour custard mixture over the bread and pecans, ensuring all bread is submerged. Let sit for 30 minutes.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm, with ice cream or caramel sauce.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to elevate your dessert game!