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Pecan pie is a timeless dessert loved for its nutty crunch and buttery sweetness. When combined with the comforting richness of bread pudding, you get a dessert that’s incredibly cozy, satisfying, and almost impossible to resist. This Caramel-Kissed Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is the perfect marriage of textures and flavors—think warm, custardy bread and toasted pecans wrapped in a sweet caramel sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day-old bread (about 8 cups, cubed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, place your cubed, day-old bread into the dish, making sure the pieces are spread evenly. Scatter the chopped pecans over the bread cubes, ensuring each bite will have a delightful crunch.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this fragrant custard mixture gently over the bread cubes, allowing it to soak in for about 10 minutes. Press down on the bread lightly with a spatula to help it absorb the custard.
Once the bread has softened and absorbed the liquid, drizzle half of the caramel sauce across the top. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tops of the bread cubes are golden and the custard is set. Remove from the oven and let the pudding rest for about 10 minutes. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and sprinkle a few extra pecans for a pretty finish.
Caramel-Kissed Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a true crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or any time you crave a little sweetness. It’s luscious without being overly complicated, and you can easily swap out whole milk for a lighter option or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your intake. For extra flair, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. With its harmonious blend of crunchy pecans, tender bread, and caramel, this dessert is sure to become a memorable favorite.
