drunken pecan pie bread pudding

3 min read 01-02-2025

Are you ready to take your bread pudding game to a whole new level? Forget your grandma's recipe (though we love Grandma!), because this Drunken Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a boozy, decadent masterpiece that will leave your taste buds singing. This isn't just dessert; it's an experience.

This recipe masterfully blends the comforting textures of classic bread pudding with the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie, all elevated by a generous splash of bourbon or your favorite whiskey. The result? A warm, gooey, and intensely flavorful dessert that's perfect for sharing (though we won't judge if you keep it all to yourself!).

Why This Recipe Reigns Supreme

Several factors contribute to this bread pudding's exceptional quality and unforgettable taste:

The Booze: The bourbon (or whiskey of your choice) adds a delightful warmth and complexity, enhancing the other flavors without overpowering them. It infuses the bread and custard, creating a truly "drunken" delight.
The Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch and intense nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bread pudding. We're not skimping here; we're using plenty!
The Custard: A rich and creamy custard base is essential for a superior bread pudding. This recipe uses a carefully balanced blend of eggs, cream, and spices to create a custard that's both luscious and comforting.
The Bread: Stale bread is key! It soaks up the custard beautifully, resulting in a tender, moist texture. Day-old challah or brioche works particularly well.

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe calls for readily available ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry.

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups cubed stale challah or brioche bread
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
1/2 cup bourbon or whiskey
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Sauce (optional, but highly recommended!):

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions: A Boozy Baking Journey

Let's embark on creating this culinary masterpiece!

1. Prepare the Bread: Cube your stale bread and lightly toast it in the oven (optional, but helps it absorb the custard better).

2. Infuse with Bourbon: Gently pour the bourbon over the cubed bread, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes.

3. Make the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

4. Combine and Bake: Gently fold the soaked bread and toasted pecans into the custard mixture. Pour everything into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce (recipe below) and a sprinkle of extra pecans.

Caramel Sauce: The Sweet Finale

This caramel sauce elevates the bread pudding to new heights of deliciousness.

Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook until the sugar dissolves and turns into a rich amber color.
Add the Cream (Carefully!): Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!), whisking constantly.
Finish it Off: Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the bread pudding.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a perfect complement. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion: Indulge in the Drunken Delight

This Drunken Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it's a culinary adventure. The combination of boozy flavors, nutty pecans, and creamy custard creates a truly unforgettable experience. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and prepare to indulge in this decadent treat. You deserve it!