Get ready to experience a dessert so decadent, so irresistibly rich, that it'll transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans with just one heavenly bite! This Praline Bread Pudding with Caramel Pecan Sauce is not just a dessert – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a magical symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Place cubed day-old bread in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture slowly over the bread cubes, ensuring all bread pieces are thoroughly soaked. Gently press down on the bread to help it absorb the liquid.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top of the bread mixture, allowing them to sink slightly into the pudding.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set with a slight wobble in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the pudding to set completely.
- While the pudding is cooling, warm the caramel sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Serve the bread pudding warm, drizzling generously with the heated caramel sauce and additional chopped pecans if desired.
- For best results, serve immediately while still warm and the caramel sauce is flowing.
Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best texture – slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively and creates a more luxurious pudding.
- Make sure to press the bread gently into the custard mixture to ensure even soaking and a consistent texture throughout.
- Don't rush the baking process – the golden-brown top and slight wobble in the center indicate the perfect doneness.
- For an extra indulgent touch, use high-quality caramel sauce or make your own from scratch.
- Serve immediately while warm to experience the maximum flavor and texture contrast between the crispy top and creamy interior.
- If you want to prepare ahead, you can assemble the pudding earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if pecans aren't your favorite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 160mg
