A Symphony of Sweetness: Mastering Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
Embark on a journey of decadence as we delve into the delightful world of Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding—a divine fusion of comforting bread pudding and the classic flavors of pecan pie. This recipe is a testament to the art of indulgence, where every forkful unveils layers of sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of stickiness. Join me in uncovering the secrets behind creating this irresistible dessert that promises to be the star of your table.
Ingredients:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A pinch of salt
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prep the Bread Cubes:
- Cut the day-old French bread into bite-sized cubes.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and let them air-dry for a few hours or overnight.
2. Create the Bread Pudding Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently fold in the cubed bread, ensuring each piece is coated in the decadent mixture.
- Let the bread soak for 30 minutes to allow it to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add light corn syrup, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually pour the egg mixture into the cooled syrup, stirring constantly.
- Add pecan halves and mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish and spread the soaked bread cubes evenly.
- Pour the prepared pecan pie topping over the bread cubes, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Bake to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the bread pudding is set and the pecan pie topping is golden and slightly sticky.
- Allow it to cool for a while before serving.
Cooking Notes:
- Using day-old bread ensures better absorption of the custard mixture.
- Experiment with different types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for varied textures.
- Adjust the level of sweetness by modifying the amount of sugar in both the bread pudding and pecan pie topping.
Variations:
Bourbon Infusion:
- Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan pie topping for a grown-up twist.
- Serve with a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream:
- Fold in chocolate chips or chunks into the bread pudding mixture for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
- Top the pecan pie topping with a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
Maple Pecan Elegance:
- Substitute part of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a nuanced flavor.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a touch of sophistication.
Keto Version:
For those dedicated to a keto lifestyle, Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding can be adapted to align with your dietary preferences.
- Replace the sugar in the bread pudding mixture with a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Use almond or coconut flour-based bread for the bread cubes.
- Choose a sugar-free maple syrup substitute for the pecan pie topping.
Low-Carb Version:
If you’re watching your carb intake, here’s how to modify Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding without sacrificing its luscious appeal.
- Use a low-carb sweetener in both the bread pudding mixture and the pecan pie topping.
- Substitute almond flour or a low-carb baking mix for the bread cubes.
- Opt for a sugar-free alternative to corn syrup in the pecan pie topping.
A Symphony of Sweet Indulgence:
As we conclude our exploration of the Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding recipe, savor the harmonious union of velvety bread pudding and the rich, sticky goodness of pecan pie. This dessert is more than a treat; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that captivate the senses and create a symphony of sweet indulgence.
Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding invites you to revel in the joy of creating a dessert that transcends ordinary boundaries. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of pecan pie and bread pudding fill your kitchen. Here’s to the passion of creating sweet memories and the sheer satisfaction found in each heavenly bite of Sweet and Sticky Pecan Pie Bread Pudding—a recipe that promises to elevate your dessert repertoire and leave a lasting impression.
