Name: Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread (day-old, cubed); 1 cup Pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin puree); 4 large Eggs (for custard base); 2 cups Whole milk (for custard); 1 cup Heavy cream (for custard); ¾ cup Brown sugar (packed); 1 cup Chopped pecans (for texture); 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg; 1 pinch Cloves; 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract; 1 pinch Salt (to enhance flavors); 1 tablespoon Butter (for greasing); to taste Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

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Indulge in the flavors of autumn with our sumptuous Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding recipe. This rich, decadent dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the nutty crunch of pecans, enveloped in a luscious custard-soaked bread that makes each bite an unforgettable experience. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings, this dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

Bread: 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed
Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree
Eggs: 4 large eggs, for a rich custard base
Milk & Cream: 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream for the custard
Sugar: ¾ cup of brown sugar, packed
Pecans: 1 cup of chopped pecans for a crunchy texture
Spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for a hint of floral sweetness
Salt: A pinch to enhance all the flavors
Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding richness
Optional Toppings: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Preparation Method

Initial Preparation

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish with butter.
Cube the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and spread them out in the prepared baking dish.

Making the Custard

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add Sugar and Spices: Incorporate the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the wet mixture, ensuring it’s free of lumps.
Pour Over Bread: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread, allowing it to soak thoroughly.

Adding Pecans and Baking

Add Pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the soaked bread, ensuring even distribution.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Serving

Cool and Serve: Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm spices.

Detailed Nutritional Profile

This section provides a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving, making it easy for health-conscious individuals to enjoy this dessert as part of a balanced diet.

Expert Baking Tips

Bread Selection: Choosing the right type of bread, such as a denser French bread, can significantly affect the texture of the pudding. Avoid overly soft breads that may disintegrate during the soaking process.
Custard Consistency: For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the milk with additional heavy cream.
Advance Preparation: This dessert can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving to deepen the flavors and save time.

Conclusion

Our Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is the perfect autumnal treat that embodies the essence of fall with every spoonful. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting weekend dessert, this bread pudding is sure to delight. Try it today to experience a true harmony of flavors that celebrates the season in the most delicious way possible.