PUMPKIN PRALINE BREAD PERFECTION

I can almost smell the cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the air just thinking about it. Growing up, fall meant one thing: my grandmother’s incredible bread pudding. She always added a secret ingredient, a touch of pumpkin, that elevated it to a whole new level. Now, I’ve put my own spin on her classic, creating this decadent Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding, a dessert that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding you’ll ever make!

Let’s Make Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding: Your New Fall Obsession

Oh, friends, buckle up! We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting aromas of autumn. This isn’t just any bread pudding; this is Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding, a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Get ready to impress your family, wow your friends, and, most importantly, treat yourself to something truly special. This is my all-time favorite fall dessert, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

What Makes This Bread Pudding So Special?

You might be thinking, “Bread pudding? Isn’t that just… bread and custard?” And to that, I say, “Oh, my friend, you are in for a delightful surprise!” This Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is so much more than the sum of its parts. Here’s why it’s utterly irresistible:

• The Pumpkin Spice: The addition of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger transforms the classic bread pudding into a fall masterpiece. It’s cozy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.
• The Praline Topping: This is where the magic really happens! A buttery, brown sugar, pecan praline topping adds a delightful crunch and a rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin spice.
• The Texture: The bread pudding itself is incredibly soft and custardy, while the praline topping provides a satisfying textural contrast. It’s a true delight for the senses!
• It’s Make-Ahead Friendly: Need a dessert for a holiday gathering? This bread pudding can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. Talk about stress-free entertaining!
• It’s Comfort Food at Its Finest: From the warm spices to the creamy custard, this bread pudding is the embodiment of comfort food. It’s the perfect way to cozy up on a chilly autumn evening.

The Ultimate Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s the recipe for the Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding that will change your life (or at least your dessert game!). Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps; I’ll walk you through each one, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 8 cups stale bread, cubed (such as challah, brioche, or French bread)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

For the Praline Topping:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dried out. This will help the bread absorb the custard better. Let cool slightly.
2. Whisk the Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin puree.
3. Soak the Bread: Place the dried bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking. The longer it soaks, the creamier the bread pudding will be!
4. Prepare the Praline Topping: While the bread is soaking, make the praline topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, pecans, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened. Be careful not to burn the sugar! It should smell nutty and caramelized.
5. Assemble the Bread Pudding: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the Praline Topping: Pour the praline topping evenly over the bread pudding mixture. Make sure to spread the pecans evenly for maximum crunch in every bite.
7. Bake the Bread Pudding: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and the praline topping is bubbly and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
8. Let Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set up a bit more and prevents you from burning your mouth! Serve warm, and consider topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Success Tips: Your Path to Bread Pudding Bliss

Okay, my friend, I want to make sure you nail this recipe! Here are my golden tips for achieving bread pudding perfection every single time:

• Use Stale Bread: This is crucial! Stale bread absorbs the custard much better than fresh bread, resulting in a softer, creamier bread pudding. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry it out in the oven as described in the recipe.
• Don’t Skip the Soaking Time: The longer the bread soaks in the custard, the better. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better. This allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Watch the Praline Topping: The praline topping can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while it’s simmering. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery bread pudding. The bread pudding is done when it’s set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
• Let it Cool (Slightly): I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes allows the custard to set up a bit more, making it easier to serve and preventing you from burning yourself.

Variations and Adaptations: Make It Your Own!

One of the best things about bread pudding is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Types of Bread: Try using croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even doughnuts for a truly decadent treat.
• Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apples for extra flavor and texture.
• Boozy Bread Pudding: Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or whiskey to the custard mixture for a boozy kick.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, cloves, or allspice.
• Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts in the praline topping.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Bread Pudding Experience

This Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced bread pudding.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a touch of coolness and creaminess that is simply divine.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions: Plan Like a Pro

One of the great things about this Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to save time in the kitchen.

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the bread pudding (including pouring the custard over the bread) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare the praline topping and pour it over the bread pudding. Bake as directed.
• Storage: Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the finished bread pudding as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the baked bread cubes before soaking them in the custard.

Pair it With…

Looking for the perfect beverage to pair with your Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding? A warm cup of coffee or a spiced latte would be a wonderful choice. Or, for a truly decadent experience, try pairing it with a scoop of BANANA PUDDING FLUFF HEAVEN for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures!

And, if you are looking for a bar cookie for a bake sale that travels well, try our PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE BARS. These bars have the cozy taste of Fall and are easy to handle.

If you are anything like me, you probably enjoy your pumpkin spice lattes or coffee. For an extra treat, try making PUMPKIN COLD FOAM MAGIC to top it with!

For another pumpkin recipe that’s sure to be a hit, you need to try our PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE BREAD. It’s the perfect balance of pumpkin spice and rich chocolate flavors. Or you can even try our other PUMPKIN CHOCOLATE BREAD!

If you need something simple that will please a crowd, Pumpkin Bars are a fan favorite!

Conclusion: Your Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding Awaits!

There you have it, my friend! Everything you need to create the most incredible Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding you’ve ever tasted. I know it might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, it’s worth every minute. The warm, comforting flavors, the creamy texture, and the crunchy praline topping will transport you to a cozy autumn paradise. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that will become a cherished tradition for years to come. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!

Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding Perfection

Amelia

This Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is a decadent fall dessert that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with a crunchy, buttery praline topping. It’s make-ahead friendly and perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy autumn evening.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Baking Sheet
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven
• Toothpick

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups stale bread, cubed such as challah, brioche, or French bread
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling!
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup 1 stick
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dried out. Let cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin puree.
• Place the dried bread cubes in a large bowl and pour the custard mixture over the top. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it’s fully submerged in the custard. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure even soaking.
• While the bread is soaking, make the praline topping. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, pecans, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the praline topping evenly over the bread pudding mixture. Make sure to spread the pecans evenly.
• Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set and the praline topping is bubbly and golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached.
• Let the bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use stale bread and don’t skip the soaking time. Watch the praline topping carefully to prevent burning. Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Consider serving with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.