Maple-Pecan Bread Pudding
A warm, comforting bread pudding infused with maple syrup and pecans, featuring rich custard and aromatic spices, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated or ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 baguette (18-inch), cut into 1/4-inch slices and quartered ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces ⓘ
- confectioners sugar (for dusting) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for topping.
- Add heavy cream, milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla to the bowl with the remaining sugar mixture; whisk thoroughly.
- Add the bread slices to the mixture; stir until evenly soaked.
- Pour the bread mixture into an 8 or 9-inch cast-iron skillet or 9-inch square baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved sugar mixture over the top, then scatter the toasted pecan halves.
- Distribute the butter pieces evenly on top of the bread pudding.
- Bake for 40 minutes, until golden brown and the custard is just set (a knife inserted comes out clean).
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Spoon onto dessert plates, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and optionally top with scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of baguette. If you want to make it a bit healthier, you can reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Adding a pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. For a twist, try adding dark chocolate chips or dried fruits. Ensure the bread is stale for better absorption of the custard mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, dusted with confectioners’ sugar, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Miss Annie'S Pecan Pralines for added crunch. You can also serve it alongside fresh fruit or a drizzle of additional maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the pudding with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple-Pecan Bread Pudding contains roughly 326 calories, with 6g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bread pudding mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just ensure to cover the dish tightly. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even baking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, for a vegan option, consider using coconut milk or a nut milk combined with a thickener like cornstarch to mimic the richness of cream.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread in place of the baguette. Make sure to choose a dense, hearty gluten-free bread to avoid a soggy texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, like the vanilla extract and maple syrup, are gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).