Let me tell you, nothing says “comfort food” quite like Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! This delightful dish takes the classic bread pudding we know and love and gives it a sweet, crunchy twist with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly day—just pure bliss! I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aromas, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close because it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
Ingredients List
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding. Having all your ingredients ready makes the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
Make sure your bread is nice and stale—this helps it soak up all that creamy goodness. And don’t skimp on the pecans; they add such a lovely crunch and flavor! Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Alright, let’s get down to business and create this heavenly Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’ll impress everyone. Just remember to enjoy the process!
Preheat the Oven
First things first: you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps ensure your pudding bakes evenly. Nobody likes a soggy bottom, right? So, let that oven get nice and toasty while we prepare the rest of the ingredients!
Prepare the Bread and Pecans
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cubed bread and chopped pecans. I love using day-old bread for this because it holds up so well when soaked. You want those crunchy pecans to mix in beautifully with the bread, adding that irresistible texture. Just give it a good stir to make sure everything is combined. It’s already starting to smell amazing!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. I like to whisk until everything is fully combined and frothy. This mixture is going to bring all that creamy richness to your pudding. Oh, and the smell of vanilla and cinnamon is just heavenly!
Combine Ingredients
Now, pour that luscious egg mixture over your bread and pecans. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to stir everything together. Make sure every piece of bread gets a good soak in that sweet goodness. You want an even distribution so that every bite is packed with flavor. It’s looking delicious already!
Allow to Absorb
Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. Trust me, this will make your pudding extra moist and flavorful. While you wait, you can almost taste that warm, gooey goodness!
Transfer and Bake
Next, transfer your bread mixture to a greased baking dish. Drizzle that lovely maple syrup on top—this adds a sweet, sticky glaze that makes everything even better! Pop it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set and golden on top. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be nothing short of divine!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, let your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding cool slightly before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Enjoy it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side—pure bliss in every bite!
Tips for Success
To make your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding the best it can be, here are my top tips! First, always use day-old bread—this is key for the perfect texture. Fresh bread can get too mushy, while day-old bread soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart. Also, don’t rush the soaking process; letting the mixture absorb for a good 15 minutes ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
When baking, make sure your baking dish is greased well to prevent sticking. And if you want an even bake, consider covering the dish with foil for the first half of the baking time, then removing it to allow that golden top to form. This little trick helps keep the pudding moist while still developing that delightful crust. Enjoy every step of the way!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding! You can add different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist. If you’re a chocolate lover like me, try mixing in some chocolate chips for a deliciously gooey surprise with every bite. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with spices—adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. You could even swap out the maple syrup for honey or agave for a different sweetness. The possibilities are endless, so make it your own and enjoy the delightful variations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, about 30 seconds to a minute should do the trick! If you prefer it crispy, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Serve warm, and it’ll taste almost as good as when it was fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Before we dig in, it’s good to know that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I can give you an estimate, it’s not set in stone. Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect per slice of this delightful Pecan Pie Bread Pudding:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 6g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates, so if you’re tracking anything specific, it’s a good idea to calculate based on your exact ingredients. Now, let’s get ready to enjoy this scrumptious dessert!
FAQ Section
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the great things about Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is that you can prepare it a day in advance. Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, and maybe add an extra few minutes to the baking time. This will save you time and stress on the day you want to serve it!
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, no worries! You can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch. Each option will give your pudding a unique twist, so feel free to experiment!
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While you can use fresh bread in a pinch, I really recommend sticking with day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread tends to get mushy and doesn’t soak up the custard as well, which can lead to a soggy pudding. If you only have fresh bread, try toasting it lightly first to help it hold up better.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is ready when it’s set in the center and has a beautiful golden top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If it jiggles too much, it likely needs more time in the oven!
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Oh, definitely! If you love a little extra sweetness, adding chocolate chips is a fantastic idea. Just fold them in with the bread and pecans, and you’ll have a chocolatey twist on this classic dessert. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven!
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on traditional bread pudding featuring pecans and rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes and chopped pecans.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread and pecans, stirring to combine.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle maple syrup on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Pecan Pie Bread Pudding, Bread Pudding, Desserts