Maple Pecan Bread Pudding

The aroma of warm maple and toasting pecans instantly transports me back to those crisp autumn mornings, when my kitchen buzzed with the happy chaos of three hungry kids and the promise of something truly special. For me, food is an expression of love, a simple way to gather my family and make everyday moments feel extraordinary. That’s precisely what this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding does.

It is not just a dessert or a breakfast item; it is a warm hug in a bowl, a recipe born from the desire to turn simple ingredients into something truly memorable and comforting. I remember the first time I made this exact Maple Pecan Bread Pudding for a Sunday brunch. My youngest, who usually picks at anything new, devoured two servings.

Seeing their happy, sticky faces made all the effort, which honestly wasn’t much, completely worth it. This particular Maple Pecan Bread Pudding recipe uses up day-old bread, transforming it into a golden, custardy bake that sings with the sweet, earthy notes of maple and the satisfying crunch of pecans. It’s nourishing, it’s wholesome, and it brings everyone to the table. Truly, this homemade Maple Pecan Bread Pudding embodies everything I love about cooking for my family.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Bread Pudding Recipe

You will quickly discover why this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding becomes a cherished favorite in your home. First, this recipe is incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices. You easily transform humble, stale bread into a luxurious dessert or a decadent breakfast.

Second, the flavor profile of this particular Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is simply divine. The rich, caramel notes of pure maple syrup perfectly complement the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, all suspended in a silky, vanilla-scented custard. Moreover, this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile.

You prepare it for a special occasion brunch, a cozy weeknight dessert, or even a holiday spread. Finally, making homemade Maple Pecan Bread Pudding fills your home with the most incredible aroma, a scent promising comfort and warmth. It truly is a dish that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delightful Maple Pecan Bread Pudding requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture of this comforting dish.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Day-old bread	1 pound (about 10-12 cups cubed)	Sturdy white bread, brioche, challah, or French bread works best.
Large eggs	6	Essential for the custard’s richness and structure.
Whole milk	2 cups	Provides a creamy base for the custard.
Heavy cream	1 cup	Adds luxurious richness and velvety texture.
Pure maple syrup	½ cup (+ extra for serving)	Use good quality, pure maple syrup for best flavor.
Granulated sugar	¼ cup	Sweetens the custard subtly.
Vanilla extract	1 tablespoon	Enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Adds warmth and spice.
Salt	½ teaspoon	Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
Pecans, chopped	1 cup	Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them for extra depth!
Unsalted butter, melted	2 tablespoons	For greasing the dish and a touch of richness.

Substitutions & Variations

This Maple Pecan Bread Pudding recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make this comforting dish truly your own.

* Bread Choices: While sturdy white bread or brioche creates an incredibly rich Maple Pecan Bread Pudding, you substitute with challah, panettone, or even sourdough for a tangier note. Just ensure the bread is day-old or slightly stale; it absorbs the custard better.
* Dairy Alternatives: For a slightly lighter version of this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding, replace some of the heavy cream with more whole milk, or even use half-and-half.

You could also explore dairy-free milks like almond or oat milk, though the richness will change.
* Sweetener Swaps: Instead of granulated sugar, use light brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor that complements the maple beautifully. You might even use honey, but adjust the amount as it’s sweeter than sugar.

* Nutty Alternatives: Not a fan of pecans? You easily substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Toasting any nuts before adding them will enhance their flavor significantly in your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

* Extra Flavor Boosts: Amp up the spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the custard mixture. A splash of bourbon or rum also creates a sophisticated depth, perfect for an adult-friendly Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.
* Fruity Additions: Consider folding in half a cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots along with the pecans for an extra layer of sweetness and chewiness.

This makes for a delightful variation of your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.
* Chocolate Indulgence: For a truly decadent treat, sprinkle in half a cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) with the pecans. The melting chocolate adds a wonderful richness to the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

This Maple Pecan Bread Pudding recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a delightful alternative dessert, consider trying the Frozen Strawberry Cheesecake Bars that provide a refreshing contrast to this warm, comforting dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing this delightful Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps, and you will soon enjoy a warm, comforting treat.

1. Prep Your Dish and Bread: First, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Next, cut your day-old bread into 1-inch cubes.

You need about 10-12 cups of bread cubes. Then, spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
2.

Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended): For a deeper flavor, lightly toast your chopped pecans. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, until fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

After toasting, sprinkle half of the pecans over the bread cubes in the baking dish.
3. Whisk the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are lightly beaten.

Then, add the whole milk, heavy cream, pure maple syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This creates the rich custard for your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

4. Soak the Bread: Carefully pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the bread with the back of a spoon to ensure all the bread cubes soak up the liquid.

This crucial step guarantees a moist and tender Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or even up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if you are preparing it ahead.
5.

Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the bread has soaked sufficiently, sprinkle the remaining half of the chopped pecans over the top of the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.
6.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is golden brown on top, puffed up, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The internal temperature should register 180°F (82°C).

7. Cool and Serve: Remove the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding from the oven. Let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.

This allows the custard to set properly. Serve warm, perhaps with an extra drizzle of pure maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your homemade Maple Pecan Bread Pudding!

Pro Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is simple when you follow a few expert tips. These suggestions ensure your bread pudding comes out deliciously moist and flavorful every time.

* Use Stale Bread: This is arguably the most important tip for any bread pudding, and especially for a Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Fresh bread turns mushy. Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard beautifully without falling apart, giving your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding that desirable texture.

If you only have fresh bread, you can cut it into cubes and spread it on a baking sheet, then bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until lightly dried out.
* Don’t Skimp on Soaking Time: Allow the bread ample time to soak in the custard mixture. This ensures every piece of bread becomes fully saturated, resulting in a uniformly moist and tender Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

A minimum of 30 minutes is good, but 1-2 hours or even overnight in the fridge produces the best results.
* Quality Maple Syrup Matters: Since “maple” is in the name, choose pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A Dark, Robust Taste (formerly Grade B), for the deepest, richest maple flavor in your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Avoid artificial syrups.

* Toast Your Pecans: Take an extra 5-7 minutes to toast the pecans before adding them to your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor, making a significant difference to the overall taste of this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.
* Do Not Overbake: Overbaking leads to a dry, tough bread pudding.

Look for a golden-brown top, a slight wobble in the center, and a clean knife when inserted. The internal temperature should be around 180°F (82°C). Every oven varies, so watch your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding carefully.

* Rest Before Serving: Let the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding cool for 15-20 minutes after baking. This allows the custard to set further and makes for cleaner slices.
* Serve Warm: While delicious at any temperature, Maple Pecan Bread Pudding truly shines when served warm. The flavors bloom, and the texture remains wonderfully tender.

Achieving the perfect Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is simple when you follow a few expert tips. Explore more sweet options like the Caramel Apple Lasagna Dessert, which also brings rich flavors and warm textures to your table.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is so good, you might not have any leftovers! However, if you do, proper storage and reheating techniques ensure you enjoy it just as much the next day.

* Storage: First, allow any leftover Maple Pecan Bread Pudding to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
* Freezing: For longer storage, you freeze individual portions or the entire Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.

For a whole dish, wrap it twice in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen Maple Pecan Bread Pudding overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

* Reheating in the Oven: This method is ideal for larger portions or for restoring a slightly crisper top to your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding (covered with foil to prevent drying) in the oven and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Uncover for the last few minutes if you desire a crispier top.
* Reheating in the Microwave: For individual servings, the microwave works perfectly. Place a slice of Maple Pecan Bread Pudding on a microwave-safe plate.

Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread pudding rubbery. Add a splash of milk over the top before microwaving for added moisture.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into various meal settings, from a special brunch to a comforting dessert. Here are some wonderful ideas for what to serve alongside this delightful dish.

For Breakfast or Brunch:
* Fresh Fruit: A colorful bowl of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.
* Bacon or Sausage: The savory, salty crunch of bacon or breakfast sausage perfectly complements the sweet and custardy Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

* Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the sweetness.
* Coffee or Tea: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea makes for the perfect morning pairing with your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

For Dessert:
* Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream melting over warm Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is a classic and irresistible combination.
* Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla, adds a luxurious, airy texture.
* Extra Maple Syrup: A generous drizzle of warm pure maple syrup over each serving truly enhances the maple flavor of your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

* Caramel Sauce: A luscious caramel sauce poured over the top elevates this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding to an even more decadent dessert.
* Bourbon Glaze: For an adult twist, prepare a simple bourbon glaze to drizzle over the warm Maple Pecan Bread Pudding.

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into various meal settings, from a special brunch to a comforting dessert. For a nutritious spin, try pairing it with chia pudding dessert that feels indulgent yet healthy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread for this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding recipe?

While you can, I strongly recommend using day-old or slightly stale bread for your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding. Stale bread better absorbs the custard mixture without becoming soggy, leading to a superior texture. If you only have fresh bread, you can cut it into cubes and toast it lightly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to dry it out.

Can I make this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire bread pudding, pour the custard over the bread, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight.

Simply bake it fresh the next morning. This makes holiday mornings or brunches much less stressful.

Is this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding a breakfast or a dessert?

This versatile Maple Pecan Bread Pudding comfortably fits into both categories! It serves wonderfully as a decadent breakfast or brunch item, especially alongside fresh fruit and coffee. However, its rich, sweet profile also makes it a perfect comforting dessert, especially when served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

How do I know when my Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is fully cooked?

Your Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is done when it is golden brown on top, appears set, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The internal temperature should register 180°F (82°C). It will puff up during baking but may settle slightly as it cools. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Can I make this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding dairy-free?

You can adapt this Maple Pecan Bread Pudding to be dairy-free, but it will slightly change the flavor and texture. Replace whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or oat milk), though the richness might not be as intense. Ensure your bread and butter (if using for greasing) are also dairy-free.

Maple Pecan Bread Pudding is a beloved dish that reflects the comforting flavors of maple and the crunchiness of pecans. This delightful dessert is a variation of traditional bread pudding, often enjoyed when using up stale bread, making it an economical and delicious option for families looking to minimize food waste while enjoying a sweet treat, as noted in this article.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Maple Pecan Bread Pudding, based on approximately 12 servings per recipe. Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	150mg
Sodium	310mg
Total Carbohydrates	40g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Total Sugars	20g
Protein	9g

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