Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is what happens when two classic comfort desserts come together in one warm, rich, completely irresistible dish. You get the soft, custardy texture of bread pudding layered with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie, then finish it all with a buttery vanilla sauce poured over the top. It’s cozy, decadent, and exactly the kind of dessert that makes people go back for seconds.

This recipe is especially perfect for holidays, family dinners, or chilly evenings when you want something homemade and comforting. It uses simple ingredients, turns day-old bread into something special, and fills the kitchen with the kind of warm cinnamon-vanilla aroma that makes dessert feel like an event.

Whether you serve it after Thanksgiving dinner, bring it to a potluck, or make it just because you’re craving an old-fashioned dessert with a twist, this Pecan Pie Bread Pudding delivers every time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it has all the best parts of a classic bread pudding, but the chopped pecans and brown sugar give it that unmistakable pecan pie flavor. The bread soaks up the rich custard beautifully, creating a soft center with lightly crisp edges, while the pecans add just enough crunch to keep every bite interesting.

It’s also a fantastic way to use up day-old bread. French bread or brioche both work wonderfully, and the end result feels far more luxurious than the ingredient list suggests. Then there’s the sauce, which really takes everything over the top. Warm, buttery, sweet, and scented with vanilla, it makes the entire dessert feel extra special without requiring much extra effort.

This is the kind of recipe that feels classic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing all at once.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

• 5 cups cubed day-old French bread or brioche
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Swaps and Notes

This dessert is easy to adapt depending on what you have on hand.

• Bread: Day-old French bread gives structure, while brioche makes the pudding even richer and more tender.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans give that signature pecan pie flavor and texture. Lightly toasted pecans can add even more depth.
• Milk and cream: The combination creates a custard that’s rich without being too heavy.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and a slightly caramel-like flavor that works beautifully with the pecans.
• Sauce: The vanilla butter sauce is simple but essential. It soaks into the warm pudding and adds a silky finish.

For even more holiday flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can be added to the custard mixture.

How to Make Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

1. Preheat and prepare the baking dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

2. Add the bread

Spread the cubed day-old bread evenly into the prepared dish.

3. Make the custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.

4. Soak the bread

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Press the bread down gently so it absorbs the liquid. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.

5. Bake

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

6. Make the sauce

While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

7. Serve warm

Pour the warm sauce over the bread pudding just before serving.

Tips for Success

Using stale bread really does make a difference here. Fresh bread can become too soft, while slightly dried bread holds its shape better and soaks up the custard beautifully. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and let it sit out for a while before baking.

Be sure to press the bread gently into the custard so every piece gets moistened. That helps the pudding bake up evenly and avoids dry spots. You also want to keep an eye on the center as it bakes. It should be set but still soft, not wet or overly firm.

For the sauce, stir just until smooth and bubbling. There’s no need to overcook it. It should be pourable and silky, perfect for soaking into the warm pudding.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is wonderful served warm on its own, but it’s even better as part of a full dessert spread. For pecan lovers, pair it with These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert for a rich holiday dessert table with lots of Southern-inspired flavor.

If you’re planning a family-style dessert lineup, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd makes a creamy, nostalgic companion.

For a chilled contrast to this warm dessert, This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack or This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat both round out a dessert spread beautifully.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Approximate values based on 9 servings:

• Calories: 395 kcal
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 9

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover bread pudding covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish gently in the oven.

The sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave until smooth and pourable again. If it thickens too much, add a small splash of cream to loosen it.

This dessert is best served warm, so reheating before serving gives you the best texture and flavor.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy classic comfort desserts like this one, These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert are an obvious next recipe to try. And for another crowd-pleasing classic, This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd is always a favorite.

For something easy and comforting that uses familiar ingredients, This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas is another great recipe to keep on hand.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is everything a cozy dessert should be. It’s warm, rich, buttery, and packed with sweet pecan flavor in every bite. The custardy bread, crunchy nuts, and silky vanilla sauce make it feel nostalgic and indulgent all at once.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or just because you want something comforting and homemade, this recipe is one worth saving.

Tried it with brioche or French bread? Added extra pecans on top? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Follow along for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes from Jason Griffith at Chef Maniac.