Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making pumpkin pecan bread pudding! This dessert is like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. There’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy pumpkin, crunchy pecans, and soft bread all mingling together in perfect harmony. I love how it fills the house with that sweet, spiced aroma while it bakes, and trust me, it’s impossible to resist sneaking a taste before it even cools down! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as a delightful treat just for yourself. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a seasonal favorite! Let’s dive into the goodness, shall we?
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful pumpkin pecan bread pudding. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that warm, comforting flavor we all adore.
- 4 cups of bread, cubed: I usually go for a nice crusty bread like challah or brioche for the best texture!
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 cup of milk: Whole milk works wonders here for creaminess, but you can use any milk you prefer.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: This adds richness that takes the pudding to the next level. Yum!
- 3/4 cup of sugar: You can adjust this based on your sweetness preference, but I find this amount just right.
- 3 large eggs: These help bind everything together, giving it that lovely custardy texture.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: A little splash of vanilla always brightens up the flavors!
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: This is where the cozy, warm spices come in. It’s a must-have!
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg: Just a pinch of nutmeg adds that wonderful aromatic touch.
- 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs so well with pumpkin.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re just a few steps away from creating a dessert that’s sure to impress!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Getting this pumpkin pecan bread pudding ready is as easy as pie—well, easier! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’ll warm your heart and home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your pudding bakes evenly and turns out perfectly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want all those flavors to blend beautifully!
- Now, it’s time to add the cubed bread. Gently stir it in until each piece is coated with the pumpkin mixture. This is the fun part—watching the bread soak up all that goodness!
- Next, fold in the chopped pecans. The crunch they provide is just heavenly!
- Pour this luscious mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Slide it into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps it firm up just a bit, making it easier to scoop!
And there you have it! You’re just a whisk away from pumpkin pecan heaven!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this heavenly pumpkin pecan bread pudding. Keep in mind, these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 6g
This delightful dessert is not only comforting but also packs a flavorful punch with these nutrients! Enjoy every bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something special!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert without any fuss!
- Perfect for fall: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a cozy, seasonal treat that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Rich and creamy: The blend of pumpkin puree and heavy cream gives this bread pudding a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Delightful crunch: The chopped pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, elevating the dish to something truly special!
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy it warm on its own, or dress it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
- Make ahead friendly: You can prepare this bread pudding in advance and reheat it, making it a stress-free dessert for gatherings.
- Impressive yet comforting: It’s a dessert that feels fancy enough for guests but still brings that homey comfort we all crave.
Tips for Success
I want to share some of my best tips to make sure your pumpkin pecan bread pudding turns out absolutely perfect every time. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!
- Choose the right bread: While I love using challah or brioche, feel free to experiment with other types like French bread or even leftover bagels! Just make sure it’s a bit stale so it absorbs that custard mixture beautifully.
- Make it your own: Don’t hesitate to switch up the nuts! Walnuts or even hazelnuts can add a unique twist if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch!
- Watch your bake time: Every oven is a bit different, so start checking your pudding around the 40-minute mark. You want a golden top and a center that’s just set, not overly firm.
- Let it cool: Resist the urge to dive in right away! Allowing it to cool for about 10-15 minutes makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors settle in.
- Serve with flair: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate this dish to a whole new level. And don’t forget the whipped cream—it’s like a cherry on top of this warm, cozy dessert!
- Store it right: If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to three days, and you can reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick treat.
- Make it ahead: Want to impress guests without the stress? You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
These tips will help you create a pumpkin pecan bread pudding that’s not just good, but phenomenal! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor every delicious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious pumpkin pecan bread pudding, and now you’re wondering how to keep those tasty leftovers fresh? No worries, I’ve got you covered! This dessert is super easy to store, and you’ll still get to enjoy that warm, comforting flavor even days later.
First, let it cool completely before you think about storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming in your container, which could make it soggy. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep it from drying out!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer to reheat the whole dish, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it from browning too much on top while it warms up. You want it deliciously cozy again, just like when it was freshly baked!
And remember, a little scoop of whipped cream or ice cream on top when you serve it again can make it feel like a brand new dessert! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While I love using challah or brioche, you can also try French bread, sourdough, or even leftover bagels. Just make sure the bread is a bit stale so it soaks up that delicious custard mixture!
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can easily substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or your favorite dairy-free cream. Just make sure to check the labels to find one that’s suitable for your taste!
Can I prepare this pumpkin pecan bread pudding ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, and you’ll have a stress-free dessert that’s sure to impress!
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence. Fresh whipped cream on top is just heavenly!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set, but still a bit soft. A gentle shake of the baking dish should show a slight jiggle in the middle. If it jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes in the oven!
Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding: 7 Steps to Cozy Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious dessert combining pumpkin and pecans in a warm bread pudding.
Zutaten
- 4 cups of bread, cubed
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the cubed bread and stir until well coated.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 38g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: pumpkin pecan bread pudding
