Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Pecan Pie Bread Pudding will bake evenly and perfectly.
- Cube the Bread: Cut the 16 oz loaf of day-old French bread into cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl. Using day-old bread helps absorb the custard mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the 4 eggs, 2 and ½ cups of milk, 1 cup of half & half (or substitute whole milk or heavy cream), 1 cup of granulated sugar, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined. This creates the custard base for the bread pudding.
- Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the egg mixture over the cubed bread. Stir gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid. This ensures a moist and custardy texture once baked.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine the softened ½ cup of butter, 1 and ½ cups of packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Use a fork to mix everything until the consistency resembles wet sand. This mixture will create a sweet, crunchy topping that caramelizes as it bakes.
- Assemble the Bread Pudding: Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Top with half of the pecan mixture, spreading it evenly over the bread. Spoon the remaining bread mixture over the pecans, then top with the remaining pecan mixture. Gently press down on the mixture to compact it slightly. The pan will be very full, but that’s expected as it will bake down slightly.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the pan on a cookie sheet with edges to catch any overflow. Bake the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding in the preheated oven at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is slightly wiggly. It will firm up as it cools. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The center will set as it cools, making it easier to slice. Serve warm on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
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