Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Oh friends, this one’s a hug in a baking dish—and I’m so excited to share it with you. First, thank you for being here! If you love cozy desserts that wrap you up in buttery sweetness with a hint of nostalgia, then Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is calling your name. It’s everything you adore about classic pecan pie—rich, gooey, nutty—baked into a soft, custardy bread pudding that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Let me say it again right after the H1: Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced custard with the crunch of toasted pecans and the caramel richness of brown sugar.

And hey—don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you can get recipes like this one (and all the cozy, sweet things!) sent straight to your inbox each week.

What Is Pecan Pie Bread Pudding?

It’s the best of both worlds! Classic bread pudding gets a pecan pie twist with a buttery, brown sugar glaze and a crunchy topping of chopped pecans. Cubed bread soaks up a spiced custard made with eggs, milk, and vanilla—then it’s baked until golden, gooey, and glorious.

It’s like pecan pie met French toast casserole and they fell in love. Whether you serve it warm with whipped cream or cold with coffee, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic with a twist

• Perfect use for stale bread—no waste!

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

• No crusts to roll or pie dough drama

• Great for holidays, potlucks, or weekend brunch

What Does It Taste Like?

Warm, rich, and sweet—with a custard-soaked center that’s soft and tender, contrasted by crunchy, caramelized pecans on top. The brown sugar and butter glaze bakes into the bread like a pecan pie filling, and each bite delivers that molten pie-meets-bread-pudding magic.

If you love pecan pie but wish it were just a little more decadent and cozy—this is for you.

Benefits of This Recipe

• No fancy equipment needed

• Budget-friendly ingredients

• Customizable with add-ins (chocolate chips, bourbon, raisins!)

• Crowd-pleaser for brunch, dessert, or gifting

• Can be made dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps

Ingredients

For the bread pudding:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)

• 3 large eggs

• 1½ cups milk

• ½ cup heavy cream (or use all milk)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

For the pecan topping:

• ¾ cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish

• Large mixing bowls

• Whisk and rubber spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Non-stick spray or butter for greasing

Additions & Substitutions

• Bread: Use gluten-free bread, croissants, or cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor.

• Milk: Swap for oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.

• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a splash of bourbon.

• Topping: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep the bread

Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and let it sit out for a few hours (or lightly toast it) to dry slightly—it helps absorb the custard.

Step 2: Make the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Soak the bread

Add the cubed bread to the custard and gently toss to coat. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

Step 4: Pour into pan

Grease your baking dish, then pour the soaked bread and custard mixture in, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Make the topping

Mix the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and chopped pecans in a small bowl. Spoon it evenly over the top of the bread.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool slightly and serve

Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. It’s incredible warm, but also tasty chilled.

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

• Vanilla ice cream – classic and indulgent

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche – light and luscious

• Fresh berries – for a pop of tartness

• Maple syrup or caramel drizzle – why not go all out?

• Hot coffee or spiced chai – the perfect cozy pairing

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

• There’s something magical about bread pudding—especially when it’s packed with brown sugar, butter, and pecans. But a few key tips can take it from “good” to completely unforgettable. Here’s how to make your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding turn out perfectly gooey, golden, and delicious every time.

  🍞 1. Use Day-Old or Slightly Stale Bread

  Dry bread soaks up the custard like a sponge. Fresh bread tends to get mushy. If your bread is too soft, just cube it and toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10–12 minutes before using.

  🥛 2. Let the Bread Soak

  Don’t rush it! Let the bread soak in the custard mixture for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge) to fully absorb all the creamy, spiced goodness.

  🧈 3. Grease Your Baking Dish Generously

  Whether you use butter or nonstick spray, make sure the entire dish is coated. This keeps the edges from sticking and gives you those perfect golden crusty corners.

  🍳 4. Use Whole Milk or Cream for Richness

  Skim milk won’t cut it here. For that luscious custard texture, use whole milk, half-and-half, or a splash of heavy cream. It makes all the difference.

  🥄 5. Don’t Overbake

  You want the center to be just set—a little jiggle is okay! Overbaking will dry it out. Start checking at the 35-minute mark and test with a knife inserted in the middle—it should come out clean but moist.

  🥄 6. Let It Rest Before Serving

  Give it 10–15 minutes out of the oven to settle. This helps the custard firm up and makes slicing easier. Bonus: the flavors deepen as it cools slightly!

  🍫 7. Customize to Your Taste

  Want to make it your own? Add a splash of bourbon, a handful of dark chocolate chips, or swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. It’s a flexible base—make it yours!

  ❄️ 8. It’s Even Better the Next Day

  Like chili or pie, bread pudding gets even better after a night in the fridge. Reheat gently and enjoy all those flavors deepened and settled.

Storage Instructions

• This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding stores like a dream, making it perfect for holiday prep, potluck leftovers, or late-night sweet cravings. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh and fabulous:

  🧊 Refrigerator Storage

  • How to store: Let the bread pudding cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container.

  • Shelf life: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Reheating:

    • Microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds until warm.

    • Reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out.

  ❄️ Freezer Storage

  • How to freeze: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container.

  • Shelf life: Freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating from frozen:

    • Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.

    • For a crisp top, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after reheating.

  🥄 Pro Tips:

  • Freeze in individual portions for quick treats or dessert-on-demand.

  • Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to refresh the custard texture.

  • Serve warm with a fresh drizzle of caramel or scoop of ice cream to bring it back to life!

General Info

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Servings: 8–10

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought bread?

Yes! Just make sure it’s slightly dried out or toast it first so it absorbs the custard better.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the bread pudding and refrigerate it overnight. Add the pecan topping just before baking.

Is it very sweet?

It’s sweet like pecan pie, but not overwhelming. You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a milder dessert.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is everything cozy, rich, and delicious—an indulgent twist on a classic Southern dessert that’s easier to make than pie and just as impressive. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend brunch, or just because your sweet tooth whispered “yes,” this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

So grab that loaf of bread, break out the brown sugar, and let’s bake something unforgettable! 🧡🥧

More Cozy Desserts You’ll Love

• If that warm, gooey pecan pie bread pudding hit the spot, get ready—these cozy dessert recipes bring all the same soul-soothing, sweet, and spiced vibes. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday tables, or anytime you want dessert that tastes like a hug.

  🥧 Classic Southern Peach Cobbler

  Juicy, cinnamon-kissed peaches baked under a golden, buttery biscuit topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum comfort.

  🍪 Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

  Chewy edges, soft centers, and nutty, toasty pecans in every bite. These cookies taste like pecan pie in cookie form—anything but boring!!

  🍰 Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Cake

  A super moist, warmly spiced cake made with mashed sweet potatoes and drizzled with a silky maple glaze. Perfect for chilly nights and coffee breaks.

  🍌 Bourbon Banana Bread

  Banana bread just got a grown-up twist! Deep flavor from brown sugar and a splash of bourbon makes this one unforgettable.

  🍎 Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Topping

  Tender baked apples under a buttery oat and brown sugar crumble—simple, classic, and always a hit with a scoop of ice cream.

  🧁 Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

  Swirls of spiced pumpkin and rich cream cheese on a graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for when you can’t choose between cheesecake and pie!

Share Your Bake!

Tried this recipe? I love seeing your creations! Tag me @mmmrecipesblog on Instagram or pin it on Pinterest and drop a review below. Your feedback means the world!

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 350

• Fat: 20g

• Carbs: 36g

• Sugar: 22g

• Protein: 6g

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