Praline Bread Pudding with Caramel-Pecan Sauce

I hesitated ever so briefly about sharing this dessert with you. But, then I decided that you all need to know about it and its nutty, caramel-y awesomeness. So, I’m sharing it but with a warning. This thing is dangerous.

It’s packed with pecans and brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. Then, just for good measure, it’s topped with a buttery, brown sugar-y, nutty crisp topping. That all sounds pretty amazing, right? But, wait. Let’s just drizzle a little caramel and pecan sauce on top. See what I mean? Dangerous.

One of the beauties of bread pudding is how easy it is to make. This one is no exception. Sure, there are three components to make, but each of them mix up quickly. You just need to plan ahead a bit to allow the pudding to sit for an hour before baking.

I love this dessert for a crowd. You can feed so very many people with this thing. It’s so rich and decadent that small slices are plenty. I’m thinking we may need to make new friends just so I can give more of it away. If your crowd is a bit smaller, you can easily half the recipe and make it in an 8-inch round pan.

I am quite the fan of bread pudding under the most normal circumstances. But, this one? This is in a category all by itself.

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Praline Bread Pudding with Caramel-Pecan Sauce

Yield 12 to 16 servings

Prep Time 40 minutes

Cook Time 51 minutes

This bread pudding is full of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then, it's topped with a sweet, nutty caramel sauce. Delicious!

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Ingredients

For the bread pudding:

• 8 large eggs
• 4 cups half-and-half
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 16-ounce loaf challah bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried dates, chopped*

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the sauce:

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Instructions

To make the bread pudding:

1. Grease a 9"x 13"x 2" baking pan or other baking pan with 3-quart capacity.
2. In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until combined.
3. Fold in the cubed bread, pecans, and dates.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.

To make the topping:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Place the butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt in a small bowl. Mix with a pastry blender or a fork until combined and crumbs have formed. Mix in the pecans.
3. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
4. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until set. Cool slightly before serving.

To make the sauce:

1. Place the half-and-half, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the pecans, vanilla, and salt. Continue to boil for 2 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
4. Drizzle over servings of bread pudding.

Notes

*Substitute any dried fruit or feel free to omit.

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Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can't wait to see your creation!

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