There’s something truly magical about fall gatherings, isn’t there? The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the kitchen is filled with the warm, inviting aroma of my favorite pumpkin pecan bread pudding. Every bite of this comforting dessert brings together the richness of pumpkin and the delightful crunch of chopped pecans, creating a symphony of flavors that just screams autumn. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday party, this dish has become a staple on my table. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the smiles on faces as they dig into this delightful treat! You’re going to love making this pumpkin pecan bread pudding as much as I do!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
To whip up this delicious pumpkin pecan bread pudding, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 3 cups of bread cubes (stale bread works best for soaking up all that pumpkin goodness!)
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1 cup of milk (whole milk adds the creamiest texture, but you can use what you have)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (for an extra rich and luscious flavor)
- 3/4 cup of sugar (you can adjust this if you prefer it a bit less sweet)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (these add that delightful crunch you’ll love!)
- 3 eggs (these will help bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (because what’s pumpkin without a little spice?)
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg (adds warmth and depth to the flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to balance out the sweetness)
With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a cozy dessert that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this pumpkin pecan bread pudding to life! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like fall.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your bread pudding bakes evenly and gets that perfect, custardy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and smooth—this is where all that delicious flavor starts to come together! It should smell heavenly!
Incorporate Bread and Pecans
Next, it’s time to add the star players: the bread cubes and chopped pecans. Gently fold them into your mixture, making sure every piece of bread gets coated in that creamy goodness. You want them to soak up all those flavors, so stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Now, grab a greased baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch dish) and pour in your mixture, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if some bread pieces stick out a bit—that just adds to the rustic charm!
Bake and Cool
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and a little jiggly, but not too much. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling time allows the flavors to settle, making each bite even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this pumpkin pecan bread pudding for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. With just a few simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert ready to delight your friends and family. The flavors are just heavenly—think of that cozy blend of pumpkin spice and crunchy pecans working together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day!
Plus, it’s super easy to make, even for those who might not consider themselves kitchen whizzes. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect for gatherings, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together. And the best part? It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the table. Trust me, once you serve this, you’ll be the star of the show! Everyone will be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Tips for Success
To make sure your pumpkin pecan bread pudding turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips to share! First off, use slightly stale bread if you can—this helps the cubes absorb that rich, creamy mixture better. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out for a couple of hours to dry out a bit. It makes a world of difference!
Don’t skimp on the spices! The cinnamon and nutmeg are key players in this recipe, so make sure to measure accurately and feel free to adjust to your taste. If you love a bit more warmth, consider adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for an extra kick!
Also, be careful not to overbake it. Keep an eye on your pudding as it bakes; it should be set in the center but still slightly jiggly. This ensures that your dessert stays custardy and moist, which is exactly what you want! And lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This short wait helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes it easier to slice. Trust me, the delicious anticipation is totally worth it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! For each serving of this delicious pumpkin pecan bread pudding, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—this is a delightful dessert that’s worth every bite!
FAQ About Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While I love using regular bread cubes, you can definitely switch it up with other types of bread. Brioche or challah would be fantastic alternatives—they’re rich and buttery, which just adds to the decadence of the pudding. Just keep in mind that the texture might change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just let the pumpkin pecan bread pudding cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat, or pop it back into a warm oven for a few minutes. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want to keep that lovely custardy texture!
Can I add more spices?
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this fabulous pumpkin pecan bread pudding, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! Trust me, the right accompaniments can really elevate this dessert to another level.
First off, I highly recommend serving it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream. The cool, fluffy texture complements the rich, custardy pudding beautifully! If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top adds a delightful creaminess that melts into the warm pudding—pure bliss!
For those who love a little something extra, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top. The sweet, buttery flavor of the caramel pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and pecans, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. You could even sprinkle some additional chopped pecans for an extra crunch!
And if you want to get a little fancy, consider serving it with a side of spiced apple compote or fresh berries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness. It not only looks beautiful on the plate but also adds another layer of flavor that beautifully complements the warm spices in the bread pudding.
Whichever way you choose to serve it, your pumpkin pecan bread pudding is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding: 7 Irresistible Warm Delights
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pumpkin pecan bread pudding that combines the flavors of pumpkin and pecans for a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of bread cubes
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add bread cubes and pecans to the mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with whipped cream.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pumpkin pecan bread pudding
