Pecan Praline Bread Pudding – Easy, Cozy & Irresistibly Gooey

There’s something magical about a warm bread pudding coming out of the oven—the aroma of caramel, toasted pecans, and soft custard always reminds me of chilly evenings with my family. This easy homemade pecan praline bread pudding recipe is the kind of dessert you make when you want something comforting, nostalgic, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

I first created this version after having a leftover loaf of brioche sitting on the counter. Instead of letting it go stale, I transformed it into a luscious, buttery pudding topped with a golden pecan praline sauce. One spoonful and it instantly became a family favorite.

If you love cozy desserts with rich, caramel-style flavors, you’re going to adore this one.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

6 cups brioche or French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped pecans

For the Pecan Praline Topping

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup pecans, halves or chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk or cream

Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread

Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside.
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the ½ cup chopped pecans over the bread.

Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Pour the custard evenly over the bread, gently pressing the cubes down so they soak up the mixture.
Let the dish sit for 15 minutes to fully absorb.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Bake the bread pudding for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Prepare the Pecan Praline Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and milk. Stir continuously.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans.

Serve

Pour the warm praline sauce over the baked bread pudding before serving.
Enjoy while hot and gooey.

Tips & Variations

1. Use Different Breads

Brioche gives the softest texture, but you can use challah, French bread, or even leftover croissants for a richer flavor.

2. Add Mix-Ins

Try adding chocolate chips, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

3. Make It Lighter

Use half milk and half evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat option that still tastes creamy.

4. Crunchier Topping

Toast the pecans in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the sauce—this intensifies the nutty flavor.

Storing & Reheating

How to Store

Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat

Oven (best method): Warm at 160°C / 325°F for 10–12 minutes to keep the gooey texture.
Microwave: Heat individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
Avoid overheating to prevent the custard from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pecan praline bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pudding (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Bake when ready.

2. Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely. Use a soft gluten-free loaf and let it soak fully before baking.

3. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce the sugar in the custard by up to ⅓ without affecting the texture.

4. Can I double the praline topping?

If you love extra sauce, doubling the praline mixture works perfectly.

5. What’s the best bread for bread pudding?

Brioche or challah—they absorb custard beautifully without becoming mushy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: ~420
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 22g

(These values are approximate and vary based on brands and portion sizes.)

I hope you fall in love with this easy pecan praline bread pudding recipe as much as my family has. It’s warm, comforting, caramel-rich, and perfect for holidays or cozy nights at home.

If you try it, leave a comment below telling me how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and explore more delicious desserts on the blog.