Classic Paula Deen Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread pudding whispers tales of comfort and nostalgia, transforming forgotten bread into a symphony of sweet decadence.

Southern cooks have long cherished this ingenious dessert as a culinary masterpiece born from simplicity.

Stale bread morphs into a luscious canvas, soaking up creamy custard with delightful abandon.

Velvety textures intertwine with caramelized undertones, creating a sensory experience that transcends ordinary desserts.

Intoxicating aromas waft through the kitchen, summoning loved ones with irresistible promises of warmth and indulgence.

Each spoonful carries the essence of home-cooked magic, blending tradition with pure deliciousness.

Let this enchanting recipe be your gateway to a world where humble ingredients become extraordinary culinary art.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 532 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Classic Bread Pudding

• Bread: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread for better absorption and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Select fine, white sugar for smooth sweetness.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richest flavor and creamiest consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla for deeper, more authentic taste.

• Brown Sugar: Pick dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter for controlled saltiness.
• Pecans: Select fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell.

• Granulated Sugar: Use fine white sugar for silky smooth sauce.
• Butter: Select unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Egg: Use fresh egg for rich, smooth sauce consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for authentic flavor.
• Brandy: Select good-quality brandy for sophisticated depth.

How to Serve Bread Pudding – Paula Deen Style

• Serve with Creamy Companions: Pair the warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a classic, indulgent touch that melts beautifully over the dessert.
• Create a Boozy Brunch Delight: Accompany the pudding with a strong cup of coffee or a mimosa to elevate the dessert experience and add a sophisticated Southern twist.
• Garnish with Sweet Accents: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans, dust with powdered sugar, or add a few fresh berries on the side to enhance the visual appeal and provide contrasting textures.
• Present as a Comforting Dessert Centerpiece: Serve the bread pudding in individual ramekins or on a beautiful vintage platter to showcase its rustic elegance and make guests feel truly special.

Storage Tips for Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• Preserve Deliciousness: Store bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze with Finesse: Wrap individual portions or the entire pudding in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat for Perfection: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. For larger portions, place in a preheated 150°C (300°F) oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Sauce Survival: Keep the vanilla brandy sauce separately in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.

Equipment Needed for Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and soaking bread cubes.
• Separate small bowl: Ideal for mixing the crunchy topping with brown sugar and pecans.
• 33 x 23 x 5 cm baking pan: Greased and ready to hold the delicious bread pudding.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for gently folding and mixing ingredients.
• Saucepan: Needed for creating the luxurious vanilla sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Oven: Preheated to the perfect temperature for baking.
• Cooking spray or butter: Used for greasing the baking pan.

Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding: Cooking Instructions

Craft Heavenly Bread Pudding

Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Southern dessert that’ll make taste buds dance!

• Prepare the Base

Grab a mixing bowl and combine eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla. Toss in cubed bread and let everything mingle and soak up those delicious flavors for about 10 minutes. The bread will transform into a luscious, creamy foundation.

• Create Crunchy Topping

Mix brown sugar, soft butter, and chopped pecans with your fingers. Crumble the ingredients until they form a delightful, crumbly texture that will add exciting crunch to your pudding.

• Bake and Assemble

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the pan and sprinkle the pecan topping evenly across the surface. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 40 minutes until the pudding turns golden and sets perfectly.

• Whip Up Decadent Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely. For an extra kick, splash in some brandy and stir until smooth and glossy.

• Serve and Indulge

Pull the golden pudding from the oven and drizzle the warm sauce generously on top. Serve piping hot or let it cool for a different sensory experience. Get ready to savor a classic Southern comfort dessert that promises pure culinary bliss!

Bread Pudding Tips and Flavor Variations

Explore creative twists and helpful techniques to elevate this classic dessert.

Replace white bread with challah, brioche, or day-old croissants for a richer, more luxurious texture that absorbs the custard beautifully.

Fold in chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or fresh blueberries into the bread mixture to add bursts of sweetness and unexpected flavor dimensions.

Experiment with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom in the topping to create warm, aromatic notes that complement the pudding’s rich base.

Transform the classic sauce by adding bourbon instead of brandy, or create a chocolate version by whisking in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.

Irresistible Paula Deen Bread Pudding Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Rich, comforting paula deen bread pudding celebrates southern hospitality with custardy layers of traditional ingredients. Warm vanilla sauce and tender bread create a classic dessert you will savor with pure Southern delight.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups milk (480 ml)
• 3 cups cubed Italian bread
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup melted butter (113 g)
• ¼ cup softened butter (57 g)
• ¼ cup brandy
• 4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for the sauce)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F and grease a 33 x 23 x 5 cm baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Create Bread Mixture: Whisk granulated sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Gently fold in bread cubes and let soak for 10 minutes, ensuring complete liquid absorption.
3. Develop Pecan Topping: Mix brown sugar, softened butter, and chopped pecans until a crumbly texture forms.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spread soaked bread mixture evenly in the prepared pan, then sprinkle pecan crumble across the top. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the pudding sets and turns golden brown.
5. Craft Brandy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine remaining sugar, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely. Add brandy and blend thoroughly.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove pudding from oven and let cool slightly. Generously drizzle warm brandy sauce over the top. Serve either warm or chilled as a decadent dessert.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old, slightly stale bread like French or brioche for optimal texture absorption and maximum flavor retention.
• Soak Time is Crucial: Let bread cubes rest in liquid mixture for precisely 10 minutes to ensure even moisture distribution and prevent soggy or dry patches.
• Pecan Crumble Technique: Ensure butter is room temperature when mixing with brown sugar and pecans for a perfectly crumbly, cohesive topping that won’t clump.
• Sauce Consistency Warning: Stir sauce continuously over medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture without scorching sugar or eggs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 56 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 168 mg