Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. With its rich, custardy texture and warm, nutty flavors, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

The base of this pudding is cubed day-old bread, which soaks up all the rich custard flavors. Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty depth. The custard itself is a mix of whole milk and heavy cream, lending a creamy texture. Maple syrup is the star sweetener, providing a distinct flavor profile. Eggs help bind everything together, while granulated sugar balances the sweetness. Vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg bring warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the richness. Lastly, a touch of salt heightens all these flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of bread types for a more complex texture and flavor.
  • If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out by cubing and baking it at a low temperature for 10 minutes.
  • For an extra maple punch, drizzle some maple syrup on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bread pudding warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a bit of extra decadence, consider a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai or a glass of cold milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes if pecans aren't available.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pudding and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and generously grease it with unsalted butter. This will help prevent sticking and add a bit of extra flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, crack in your eggs. Whisk them until they're nice and frothy, then pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and pure maple syrup. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give everything a good whisk until it's well combined and smooth.

Next, add your cubed bread and chopped pecans into the bowl. Gently fold them into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let this sit for about 10 minutes; this soaking time is essential for the bread to absorb all the flavors.

Once the bread has soaked, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly to ensure even baking. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the pudding firm up and makes it easier to slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses day-old bread, reducing waste and making it budget-friendly.
  • Maple syrup adds a unique, deep sweetness that’s hard to resist.
  • Easy to prepare in under an hour, making it ideal for last-minute dessert needs.
  • Packed with pecans for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Perfect balance of spices for a warm, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

8 cups cubed day-old bread
1 cup chopped pecans
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup pure maple syrup
4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cubed bread and chopped pecans to the bowl and gently fold to coat all pieces. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the liquid mixture.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

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