Sweet Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl
Indulgent desserts often spark joy, and this pecan pie bread pudding blends classic comfort with a delightful twist.
Southern bakers have long cherished bread pudding as a resourceful way to repurpose day-old bread.
Warm spices and sweet pecans create a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
The rich caramel-like sauce drizzled over the top adds a decadent layer of flavor that makes this dessert truly irresistible.
Each spoonful promises a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, custardy center.
Generous chunks of pecans provide a delightful crunch that complements the silky pudding.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 430 kcal
Servings: 9
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
For Bread Base:
Day-Old Bread: Stale bread absorbs custard beautifully and prevents soggy texture; choose a sturdy white or brioche loaf for best results.
For Custard Components:
Eggs, Milk, Half & Half: Creates luxurious, silky custard base that binds ingredients together; select fresh, high-quality dairy for rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the pudding's surface; opt for pure cane sugar for deeper taste.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert complexity; use pure vanilla for authentic, robust flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredients' nuances; sea salt works wonderfully.
For Pecan Topping and Texture:
Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and creates irresistible crispy top layer; dark brown sugar intensifies flavor.
Softened Butter: Helps bind pecan mixture and adds rich, creamy undertone; use unsalted butter for precise sweetness control.
Pecans: Delivers nutty crunch and signature pie-like experience; select fresh, plump pecans without any rancid smell.
Tools for Preparing Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Large Bowl: Perfect for cubing bread and mixing ingredients.
Separate Bowls: Need one for egg mixture, another for pecan topping.
Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and sugar smoothly.
Fork: Great for mixing butter, brown sugar, and pecans.
8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering bread pudding.
Cookie Sheet: Helps catch any overflow during baking.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
Oven: Bakes pudding to golden, delicious perfection.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Step by Step
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Delight
Bread Preparation Soft, cubed bread becomes the pillowy base of this decadent dessert. Choose a soft, slightly stale bread like brioche or challah for the best texture and absorption.
Custard Magic A luscious blend of creamy ingredients transforms ordinary bread into a silky, rich pudding. Whisk eggs, milk, and sweet seasonings until smooth and inviting.
Pecan Crunch Topping A rustic mixture of butter, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans creates a caramelized layer that elevates the entire dessert. The topping mimics the classic pecan pie flavor profile.
Layering Technique Carefully alternate bread and pecan mixture in the baking dish. Gentle pressing ensures every bite is saturated with flavor and texture.
Baking Perfection Slide the pudding into a preheated oven and bake until the edges are golden and the center has a subtle wobble. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.
Cooling and Serving Allow the pudding to rest and set, creating a firm yet creamy consistency. Serve warm for a comforting dessert that feels like a sweet embrace.
Tasty Variations for Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Experiment with challah, brioche, or day-old French bread for different textures and richer flavor profiles.
Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to intensify their nutty, caramel-like essence before chopping.
Drizzle warm caramel sauce, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or sprinkle powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from cold for a stress-free breakfast or dessert experience.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Warm
Dessert Companion Magic: Creamy vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm bread pudding, creating a dreamy contrast of temperatures and textures.
Caramel Drizzle Delight: Homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds a luxurious golden shine and extra sweetness that complements the pecan's nutty flavor.
Holiday Presentation Charm: Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving, giving the dessert an elegant, festive appearance that makes everyone feel special.
Brunch Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside hot coffee or a rich espresso to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall dessert experience.
Storing Pecan Pie Bread Pudding Properly
Fridge Storage Magic: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the entire bread pudding recipe 24 hours in advance, refrigerate unbaked, and pop it directly into the oven when ready to serve.
Freezer-Friendly Solution: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 3 months without losing texture or taste.
Temperature Revival Tricks: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
Pecan pie bread pudding merges classic Southern dessert traditions into a comforting sweet treat. Rich custard-soaked bread and caramelized pecans create a delightful experience you will savor with each spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ½ cups (330 grams) brown sugar
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
16 oz (454 g) day-old French bread
2 ½ cups (590 ml) whole milk
1 cup (240 ml) half & half
1 cup (chopped) pecans
½ cup (113 g) butter (softened)
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt
Instructions
Bread Preparation: Cube bread into uniform pieces and distribute evenly in a large mixing bowl.
Custard Fusion: Whisk eggs, milk, half & half, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into a silky, homogeneous liquid.
Bread Soaking: Pour custard over bread cubes, allowing complete liquid absorption for 5-10 minutes, creating a rich, saturated base.
Pecan Crumble Creation: Blend softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until achieving a coarse, moist texture.
Dish Assembly: Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish, then layer half the soaked bread mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Layering and Topping: Scatter half the pecan crumble over the initial bread layer, then add remaining bread mixture, gently pressing to compact.
Final Pecan Embellishment: Sprinkle remaining pecan crumble across the top, creating a textured, golden-brown surface.
Baking Preparation: Place baking dish on a rimmed cookie sheet to catch potential overflow.
Oven Transformation: Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until the center maintains a subtle jiggle.
Settling and Serving: Allow pudding to rest 20-30 minutes for proper setting, then slice into desired portions and indulge.
Notes
Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old or slightly stale bread for better absorption and richer texture; brioche or challah work exceptionally well.
Custard Soaking Technique: Allow bread cubes to soak for the full 5-10 minutes, ensuring maximum flavor infusion and a perfectly moist consistency.
Crumble Coverage Strategy: Distribute pecan crumble evenly between layers and on top for a rich, crunchy texture in every single bite.
Baking Precision Tip: Check doneness at 45 minutes; slight center wobble indicates perfect moisture while preventing over-baking and dryness.
Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.
Sophie Martin
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Education
Stellenbosch University, South Africa
South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town
Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.
Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.