As the leaves turn golden and the air gets that delightful crispness, I can’t help but crave all the cozy flavors of fall. One of my absolute favorites is this pumpkin praline bread pudding. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in a warm hug, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family. I remember the first time I made it—I was trying to impress my in-laws at a Thanksgiving dinner, and as soon as they took a bite, I knew I had succeeded! The combination of pumpkin, creamy custard, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors that feels like autumn on a plate. Trust me, you’re going to want to whip this up all season long!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
Gather these simple ingredients to create your pumpkin praline bread pudding masterpiece. Trust me, having everything prepped makes the process a breeze!
- 4 cups of cubed bread (stale works best for texture)
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
Make sure to measure carefully; the right amounts will ensure your pudding is perfectly sweet and creamy!
How to Prepare Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is super important because it ensures your pudding bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your favorite baking dish and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. The mixture should have a lovely creamy consistency that’s bursting with fall flavors. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Combine with Bread
Now, it’s time to add the cubed bread to your wet mixture. Gently stir it in, making sure every piece gets coated in that delicious custard. Be careful not to overmix; you want the bread to soak up all that lovely pumpkin goodness without turning into mush!
Step 4: Add Pecans and Transfer to Dish
Once the bread is nicely combined, fold in those chopped pecans. They add a delightful crunch! After that, pour your mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it’ll all come together beautifully in the oven!
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the center is set—no more wobbly! Let it cool for a bit before serving; this helps it firm up and makes for easier slices. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible!
Tips for Success with Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
To make sure your pumpkin praline bread pudding turns out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use stale bread if you can; it soaks up the custard better and gives you that amazing texture. Also, don’t skip the pecans—they add such a wonderful crunch that balances the creamy filling. When serving, I love to top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for that extra indulgence. And if you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in the fridge for a delicious treat the next day. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s break down the deliciousness of this pumpkin praline bread pudding! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Each serving (about 1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g
This comforting dessert is a delightful treat, especially during the fall season. Enjoy it guilt-free in moderation!
FAQ About Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
Got questions about making this scrumptious pumpkin praline bread pudding? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. You’ll want to drain any excess liquid, so your pudding doesn’t turn out too watery.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? No problem! You can substitute with an extra cup of milk or use half-and-half for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that it might be a tad lighter in richness.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. It tastes even better the next day!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything a day in advance, cover it, and pop it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it fresh before serving for the best texture.
What should I serve with it? I love serving mine warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute dessert for gatherings.
- Comforting and warm, it captures the essence of fall in every bite.
- Deliciously sweet with a delightful crunch from the pecans.
- Versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone eagerly waiting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftovers (though I doubt it!), storing your pumpkin praline bread pudding is super easy. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for those late-night cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. I recommend serving it warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy every bite again!
Print
Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding: 5 Cozy Fall Delights
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious pumpkin praline bread pudding that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed bread
- 2 cups of pumpkin puree
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, milk, cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add cubed bread to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and maple syrup on top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use stale bread for better texture.
- Serve warm with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: pumpkin, praline, bread pudding
