Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe for Easy Fall Dessert

Introduction

As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisper, our taste buds start to crave the warm, comforting flavors of fall. One dessert that embodies the essence of this season is the pecan pie bread pudding. This creative twist on traditional bread pudding combines the richness of pecan pie with the comforting warmth of a homemade bread dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this pecan pie bread pudding is sure to become a new favorite in your household, perfect for cozy nights in or as a show-stopping dessert for your next fall gathering.

Why This Works

• The combination of stale bread, pecans, and a hint of maple syrup creates a flavor balance that is both familiar and exciting, making it accessible to a wide range of tastes.
• The ease of preparation is a significant advantage, as it requires minimal cooking skills and can be largely prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy fall schedules.
• Despite its simplicity, the pecan pie bread pudding presents impressively, with its golden-brown top and gooey, caramelized pecans, making it a great option for entertaining without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the cubed bread to the dry ingredient mixture and toss until the bread is evenly coated. Then, pour the wet ingredients over the bread mixture and stir until the bread is well saturated.
4. Step 4: Fold in the pecan halves and melted butter until they are evenly distributed throughout the bread mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour the bread pudding mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and drizzle the top with maple syrup.
6. Step 6: Bake the bread pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

• Using stale bread is crucial for the best results, as it absorbs the liquid ingredients better than fresh bread. If you only have fresh bread, you can try drying it out in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes to simulate stale bread.
• Don’t overmix the bread pudding mixture, as this can make the final product dense and tough.
• Consider toasting the pecans in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, to enhance their flavor and texture.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the pecan pie bread pudding is 350°F (175°C), and it should be baked for 35-40 minutes. The bread pudding is done when it is golden brown on top and set in the center. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the pudding; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor is key to the pecan pie bread pudding’s appeal. The pecans on top should be caramelized and crunchy, while the bread pudding itself should be moist and tender. To ensure this texture contrast, don’t overbake the pudding, and consider broiling the top for an extra minute or two to enhance the crunch of the pecans.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra-decadent treat, serve the pecan pie bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Make individual servings of the bread pudding in ramekins for a fun and easy dessert to serve at parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips

• The pecan pie bread pudding can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• For longer storage, wrap the pudding tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen pudding overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Reheat the bread pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, or in the microwave for 20-30 second intervals, checking until heated to your liking.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The pecan pie bread pudding makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or neighbors, especially during the fall season. Consider packaging it in a decorative tin or ceramic dish, wrapped in a warm, seasonal cloth or paper. You could also pair it with a bag of gourmet coffee or a selection of artisanal teas for a cozy gift basket. For a more rustic touch, wrap the pudding in a burlap bag and tie with a twine, adding a few fresh pecans or a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of bourbon or rum to the bread pudding mixture for a grown-up twist on the classic recipe.
• Swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture profile.
• Add a handful of dried cranberries or cherries to the bread mixture for a fruity and unexpected twist.

Troubleshooting

• If the bread pudding is too dry, it may be due to overbaking or using bread that is too stale. Try adding a little more cream or milk to the mixture next time.
• If the pecans on top are not caramelized, it may be because the pudding was not baked long enough or because the oven temperature was off. Try broiling the top for an extra minute or two to achieve the desired crunch.
• If the bread pudding is too soggy, it may be due to underbaking or using too much liquid in the mixture. Try baking it for a few more minutes or reducing the amount of cream and milk in the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the pecan pie bread pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten due to the bread. However, you can try substituting gluten-free bread to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger pudding will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

The pecan pie bread pudding is a delicious and creative dessert that is perfect for the fall season. With its rich, comforting flavors and crunchy, caramelized pecans, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just enjoying it as a cozy night in, this bread pudding is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative with the recipe, and enjoy the warm, fuzzy feelings that come with sharing a delicious homemade dessert with the people you love.