Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe for Easy Fall Dessert

Introduction

As the fall season approaches, the desire for warm, comforting desserts that capture the essence of the season grows. One dessert that perfectly embodies the flavors of fall is the pecan pie bread pudding. This creative twist on traditional bread pudding combines the richness of pecan pie with the comforting warmth of bread pudding, all made easily with everyday ingredients. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pecan pie bread pudding recipe is a must-try for an easy and delicious fall dessert.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of bread, pecans, and spices creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Unlike some desserts that require intricate preparation and cooking techniques, this pecan pie bread pudding is straightforward to make. It involves mixing ingredients, pouring them into a baking dish, and letting the oven do the work.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the end result is a dessert that looks and tastes like it was made by a professional. The presentation is appealing, with a golden-brown top and a moist, fluffy interior, making it perfect for serving at fall gatherings or parties.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
3. Step 3: Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until the bread is evenly coated with the wet ingredients.
4. Step 4: Stir in the pecan halves and heavy cream. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
5. Step 5: Pour the bread mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
6. Step 6: Bake the pudding for 35-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Handy Tips

• Use stale bread for the best results, as it absorbs the liquid better than fresh bread. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in a low-temperature oven (200°F or 90°C) for a few minutes.
• Don’t overmix the bread mixture, as this can make the pudding dense.
• If you prefer a crunchier top, bake the pudding for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Heat Control

The ideal baking temperature for this pecan pie bread pudding is 350°F (180°C). It’s essential to not overbake, as this can dry out the pudding. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready. Also, pay attention to the color; a nicely golden-brown top is a good sign that the pudding is done.

Crunch Factor

The pecans provide a natural crunch to the pudding, but if you prefer an extra crunchy top, you can broil the pudding for a minute or two after baking. Keep a close eye on it, as the top can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an extra moist pudding, try soaking the bread in the wet ingredients for a longer time, like 30 minutes to an hour, before baking.
• Experiment with different types of bread, like brioche or challah, for a richer flavor.
• Consider making individual servings of the pudding in ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Storage Tips

• Leftover pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• For longer storage, the pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen pudding overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
• Use airtight containers to store the pudding, whether in the refrigerator or freezer, to keep it fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This pecan pie bread pudding makes a wonderful gift, especially during the fall season. Consider packaging it in a decorative tin or a mason jar, topped with a ribbon or a gift tag. You could also pair it with a bottle of maple syrup or a bag of gourmet coffee for a complete gift basket.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Top the pudding with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the pudding turns out too dry, it might be overbaked. If it’s too soggy, it might not have been baked long enough.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re allergic to nuts, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the pudding while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil. If it’s not browning at all, increase the oven temperature slightly.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the pudding can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of bread used, this pudding can be made gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This pecan pie bread pudding recipe is a game-changer for fall desserts. It’s easy, delicious, and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of pecan pie, bread pudding, or just looking for a new dessert to try, this recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and comfort of a perfectly baked pecan pie bread pudding this fall.