Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecan pie with the comforting texture of bread pudding. Here are the ingredients you'll need to create this delightful treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Day-Old Bread: 8 cups, cubed for the base of the pudding.
- Eggs: 4 large, to bind the mixture together.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
- Whole Milk: 3 cups, to make the custard creamy.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup, for a deeper sweetness and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon, for flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for a warm spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon, for additional spice.
- Chopped Pecans: 2 cups, for crunch and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup, melted to add richness.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2:
- Place the 8 cups of cubed day-old bread in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 3 cups of whole milk, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step 5:
- Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes in the baking dish, pressing down lightly to ensure that all the bread is soaked in the liquid.
- Step 6:
- Let the bread pudding sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard mixture.
- Step 7:
- If desired, arrange pecan halves on top of the bread pudding for an attractive garnish.
- Step 8:
- Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Let the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a low oven until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- Use day-old bread for the best texture, as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe.
- Feel free to add a splash of bourbon to the custard mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Paula Deen: "Always use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor and texture in your bread pudding."
- Chef Alton Brown: "Letting the bread soak in the custard mixture for a few minutes ensures every bite is rich and flavorful."
- Chef Ina Garten: "A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking can add a delightful crunch to the finished dish."