Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding: A Fall Favorite
The arrival of autumn brings with it a craving for all things warm, comforting, and pumpkin-infused. And one recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the season is Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding. This decadent and indulgent dish is a surefire way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen, delighting your taste buds with every bite.
Bread pudding has long been a beloved comfort food, and the addition of pumpkin and pecans takes this classic recipe to new heights of deliciousness. The rich, custard-like texture, combined with the sweet spices and crunchy pecans, creates a symphony of autumnal flavors that will have your family and friends raving.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding apart is its remarkable versatility. It can be enjoyed as a decadent dessert, a satisfying brunch dish, or even a comforting side to your favorite fall-inspired main course. The contrast of the soft, pillowy bread and the toasted pecans provides a delightful textural experience, while the pumpkin and warm spices infuse the dish with an irresistible autumnal aroma.
Beyond its delectable flavor, this recipe is also remarkably easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. And the best part? It can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of a make-ahead dish without sacrificing quality or taste.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding ❓
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (1 lb) loaf of day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup chopped pecans
The beauty of this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and toasted pecans creates the comforting, autumnal-inspired flavor profile that has made bread pudding recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined.
• Step 3: Add the cubed bread to the pumpkin mixture and gently fold until the bread is evenly coated. Stir in the chopped pecans.
• Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread is evenly distributed.
• Step 5: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed.
• Step 6: Allow the Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45-55 minutes
• Total time: 65-75 minutes
Compared to traditional bread puddings that can take up to an hour to prepare, this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding saves you nearly 30% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 12 servings):
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg
These Pumpkin Pecan Bread Puddings provide approximately 15% of your daily fiber requirements and 13% of your daily vitamin A needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Use a lower-carb bread, such as almond flour or coconut flour bread, and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, and use a dairy-free whipped topping or coconut cream as a topping.
• Added protein: Fold in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or add extra eggs to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Incorporate diced apples or pears for added fiber and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a cup of hot apple cider or a spiced latte for a cozy autumn pairing
• Complement with a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal
• For a brunch spread, serve alongside baked ham, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit
• Create an autumnal dessert platter with this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding, pumpkin pie, and spiced nuts
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using stale bread: Make sure to use fresh or day-old bread for the best texture. Stale bread can result in a dry, crumbly bread pudding.
• Overmixing: Gently fold the bread into the pumpkin mixture to avoid compacting the bread and creating a dense, heavy texture.
• Forgetting the spices: The combination of warm spices, like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, is essential for capturing the autumnal flavors.
• Skipping the toasting of the pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dish brings out their rich, nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Pumpkin Pecan Bread Puddings retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the recipe as directed, but instead of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat individual servings, place the Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
❓ FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble the bread pudding, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Can I substitute other types of bread?
Yes, you can use a variety of breads for this recipe. Challah, brioche, or even day-old croissants work well and will give you slightly different textures. Just be sure to use around 1 pound of bread, regardless of the type.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding can be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and a dairy-free whipped topping. To make it lower in carbs, use a low-carb bread and reduce the amount of sugar. You can also add extra protein by folding in a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Why is my bread pudding watery?
If your Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding turns out too watery, it’s likely that the bread cubes weren’t thoroughly soaked in the custard mixture before baking. To prevent this, make sure to let the bread soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, before transferring it to the baking dish. This will allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid and create a creamy, custard-like texture.
Can I add additional mix-ins to the recipe?
Absolutely! This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is highly adaptable. You can fold in dried cranberries, chopped apples, or even a swirl of cream cheese for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful of not overstuffing the dish, as it could affect the baking time and consistency.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Pecan Bread Puddings represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy autumn dessert or a comforting brunch dish, they’re sure to impress with their warm, spiced flavors and irresistible texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Pumpkin Pecan Bread Puddings demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So embrace the flavors of fall, gather your loved ones, and indulge in the comforting deliciousness of this truly special recipe.
