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Buttery Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting classic that has graced tables across various cultures for generations. This rich and indulgent dish marries the dense, warm texture of bread pudding with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecans and a luxurious caramel sauce. Originating from humble beginnings, bread pudding was historically a solution for utilizing stale bread, transforming what would be considered waste into a delightful treat. Today, it stands as a beloved dessert in many cuisines, often served at family gatherings and festive occasions, celebrated for its heartwarming qualities.

Buttery Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding

Discover the irresistible charm of Buttery Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding, a classic dessert that transforms stale bread into a delightful treat. This rich, comforting dish combines the warm texture of pudding with crunchy pecans and a luxurious caramel sauce. Our article provides a step-by-step guide to creating this sweet delight, highlighting essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and tips to elevate your dessert. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe invites you to indulge in a heartwarming culinary experience.
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Ingredients
  

8 cups day-old brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the day-old brioche or French bread cubes and toasted pecans. Toss them lightly to mix.

      Make the Custard Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

        Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread and pecans, ensuring that all the bread pieces are soaked. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the custard.

          Add Caramel Swirl: Stir in half of the caramel sauce into the soaked bread mixture, reserving the other half for serving. Gently fold to create a marbled effect.

            Bake the Pudding: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still moist.

              Cool and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top before serving.

                Enjoy: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8-10