Hands Down The Best Bread Pudding I’ve Ever Eaten - Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

If you're searching for the ultimate comfort dessert, look no further than this pecan bread pudding. Rich, buttery, and bursting with the nutty goodness of pecans, this recipe takes traditional bread pudding to the next level. Imagine tender, custard-soaked bread with a perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla, all crowned with crunchy, caramelized pecans. It's the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy gatherings or an indulgent treat. This is hands down the best recipe you'll ever make.

Hands Down The Best Bread Pudding I’ve Ever Eaten - Pecan Pie Bread PuddingPhoto by12 Tomatoes

It's a delicious combination of two drool-worthy Southern desserts: bread pudding and pecan pie! This recipe blends the custardy texture of bread pudding with the nutty, caramelized sweetness of pecan pie. The almonds, brown sugar, and butter give this bread pudding an amazing texture. They create a topping that resembles streusel, with a soft interior and a crispy caramel crunch. Let's embrace the season's flavors with this amazing recipe.

Hands Down The Best Bread Pudding I’ve Ever Eaten - Pecan Pie Bread PuddingPhoto by12 Tomatoes

ProTips for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding:

1. Budget-Friendly: Bread pudding is an affordable dessert, and you can save even more by using day-old bread. Check your local grocery store's discount rack for reduced-priced or day-old bread, which works perfectly for this recipe.

2. Pre-Dry Your Bread: For the best results, chop your bread the night before and spread it out on a baking sheet to dry. This step ensures the bread will soak up all the liquid, resulting in a perfectly custardy bread pudding.

3. Bread Choice Matters: While French bread is traditional, you can also use baguettes or Italian bread. Avoid using sandwich bread, as it lacks the texture and density needed for a rich bread pudding.

4. Cold is Gold: This bread pudding is just as delicious cold as it is fresh from the oven. Don't be surprised if you find yourself sneaking into the kitchen for a slice straight from the fridge—it's that good!

5. Serve with a Twist: To elevate your bread pudding, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These creamy toppings complement the warm, nutty flavors of the pecan pie filling perfectly.

Hands Down The Best Bread Pudding I’ve Ever Eaten - Pecan Pie Bread PuddingPhoto by12 Tomatoes

Cook Time: 60 min; Total Time: 1hr 15 mins; Serves: 16

Ingredients:

• 2 - 16 oz. loaves of French bread or baguettes (day old is best)
• 5 cups of whole milk
• 2 cups of 1/2 & 1/2 creamer
• 10 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (divided)
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla bean paste (you can substitute pure vanilla extract)
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
• 2 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups of pecans chopped and roasted

Directions:

• The night before, cut your bread into bite-size cubes. Let the bread sit out overnight to dry.
• Warm your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, generously spray with nonstick spray. A deep dish works great; place a cookie sheet with a lip under your pan to keep your bread pudding from spilling over in the oven.
• Using a stand mixer, add your eggs, whole milk, 1/2 & 1/2 creamer, granulated sugar, salt, 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and vanilla bean paste. Mix well to combine. Pour the mixture over your day-old or stale bread and allow it to soak for 30 minutes.
• Melt your 2 sticks of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour your melted butter over the brown sugar, 1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and roughly chopped pecans. The texture will be grainy, consistent with wet sand.
• Add 1/2 of your bread pudding mixture into your prepared 9x13-inch pan. Then sprinkle 1/2 of your pecans, brown sugar, and butter mixture on top.
• Next, add the remaining bread mixture to the top. Using the back of a spatula or large spoon, press the mixture into your baking dish. Most likely, the mixture will fill your casserole dish to the brim.
• Top with the remaining brown sugar pecan mixture.
• Place the dish in your preheated oven and leave it there for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. You want the middle to be a bit jiggly. As it cools down, it will continue to set.

Enjoy Friends! ❤️

Hands Down The Best Bread Pudding I’ve Ever Eaten - Pecan Pie Bread PuddingPhoto by12 Tomatoes