Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of day-old French bread, cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well and set it aside.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will create a creamy, flavorful custard that will soak into the bread.
- Soak the Bread: Add the cubed French bread to the bowl, making sure all the bread is soaked in the egg mixture. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This soaking step is crucial as it ensures every piece absorbs the custard, giving the bread pudding its rich, moist texture.
- Add the Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans. This step gives each bite a delightful crunch and brings out the signature flavor of pecan pie.
- Assemble the Bread Pudding: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Drizzle maple syrup over the top, letting it seep into the layers for added caramel-like sweetness.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the pudding is set in the middle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s wonderful on its own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each warm, gooey slice is loaded with flavor, just begging to be savored!
Notes
- Bread Choice: Day-old French bread is ideal for this recipe because it holds up well to the custard mixture. However, you could also use brioche or challah for an extra rich texture.
- Add Extra Flavors: A splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of chocolate chips can bring additional layers to this already decadent dessert.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 100mg