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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop Pecan Topping: Mix brown sugar, softened butter, and chopped pecans until a crumbly texture forms.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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