Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Maple Pecan Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that marries the rich, nutty taste of pecans with the sweetness of maple syrup. This decadent bread pudding recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy brunch, or just a comforting weeknight treat. With its creamy custard-style texture and sweet cinnamon flavors, this dish is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent, ensuring that each bite is a memorable experience.

Ingredients

• For the Bread Pudding:
  • 6 cups of stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah). Using bread that is rich and slightly sweet will enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 2 cups whole milk, preferably organic for a richer taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream, which adds a luxurious creaminess
  • 4 large eggs, preferably free-range for the best flavor and color
  • 1 cup maple syrup, pure grade A or grade B for the deepest flavor
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, use pure vanilla for optimal flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, fresh ground cinnamon will add a more intense aroma
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped, try toasting them lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor
• For the Topping:
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling, warm it slightly for easier pouring)
  • 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (for garnish, consider toasting for added crunch)

Note: Using stale bread is key for achieving the perfect texture. If you don’t have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. This helps to dry it out, allowing it to absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. You can learn more about this topic. Choosing high-quality ingredients, especially the maple syrup, will make a significant difference in the final flavor of the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Ensure that the dish is evenly coated to make serving easier later.
2. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg; this ensures a smooth custard.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Add the cubed stale bread to the custard mixture, gently folding until the bread is fully soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking.
4. Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step adds texture and flavor, creating delightful bites of nutty goodness.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking. Press down lightly on the bread to ensure it’s submerged in the custard.
6. Bake the Bread Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The pudding should jiggle slightly in the middle when done.
7. Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set further and make it easier to cut and serve.
8. Drizzle and Garnish: Before serving, drizzle the top with additional maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. This final touch not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a lovely crunch.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. It may taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day for a convenient dessert that saves you time.
• Avoiding Sogginess: Ensure your bread is stale or toasted to prevent the pudding from becoming too soggy. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an added layer of richness. A dollop of crème fraîche can also provide a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the bread with a gluten-free bread option to cater to gluten-sensitive guests. Look for gluten-free brioche or challah at specialty stores.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist. These can add moisture and a burst of flavor that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Nut Allergies: Omit the pecans and replace them with chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. Dark chocolate chips can create a luscious pairing with the maple flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your presentation by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or serve with a fresh fruit compote. This dish pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of warm spiced cider, making it perfect for brunch or as a comforting dessert following a hearty meal. Check out our related guide for more tips. You can also serve it alongside a rich caramel sauce or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more decadent experience.

Print

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 8 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

55 min

🔥

Calories

350 kcal

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Maple Pecan Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that marries the rich, nutty taste of pecans with the sweetness of maple syrup. This decadent bread pudding recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a holiday gathering, a cozy brunch, or just a comforting weeknight treat. With its creamy custard-style texture and sweet cinnamon flavors, this dish is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 6 cups of stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche or challah)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

3.

Add the cubed stale bread to the custard mixture, gently folding until the bread is fully soaked. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

4.

Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing down lightly on the bread.

6.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

7.

Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

8.

Drizzle the top with additional maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 350 kcal