Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding : A Cozy Fall Treat Your Family Will Love!

Name: Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups cubed day-old bread; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; A pinch of salt

Posted on January 5, 2026

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This cozy Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding comes together in about 45 minutes and is a one-bowl wonder for a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! You can switch up the ingredients to fit what you have on hand or even use leftover bread in your kitchen, everything goes! Seriously, this is the kind of recipe that’s perfect for cleaning out the fridge or just indulging in a sweet treat during the crisp autumn evenings.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s chat about the goodies you’ll need for this delightful dish. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it all comes together beautifully!

5 cups cubed day-old bread: I usually go for a nice brioche or challah for that ultimate sweetness and texture, but any day-old bread you have will work wonders here.
1 cup pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not the spiced pie filling, that’s a big difference!
2 cups milk: You can use whole, 2%, or even almond milk if you’re feeling fancy!
1 cup heavy cream: This makes it rich and creamy; don’t skimp on this one!
3/4 cup brown sugar: For that lovely caramel sweetness; both light and dark brown sugar work well here.
4 large eggs: These will help bind everything together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because, of course vanilla makes everything better!
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: You can totally go with the store-bought blend, but homemade pumpkin spice is divine if you want to take a few extra minutes.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A must for that warm, cozy flavor.
1/2 cup chopped pecans: These add a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
A pinch of salt: Just a couple pinches to enhance that sweetness!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, y’all! Let’s turn that kitchen into a cozy haven of delicious smells and tasty treats.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your favorite baking dish greased and ready (I usually opt for a 9×13 inch dish, but whatever you have will do just fine!).
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt until everything is well combined. You’re going to want to mix until it’s smooth and hinting at deliciousness, about 2-3 minutes.
Fold in the cubed bread and chopped pecans, making sure to coat every bit of that bread with the creamy mixture. This is where the magic begins! Just gently toss everything together; you don’t want to shred the bread.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out so it’s nice and even.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer jiggly in the middle, nobody wants a wobbly bread pudding!
Once it’s beautifully golden, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and honestly? It’s delicious either way!

Why I Love This Recipe

Now, let me take a moment to tell you why this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is my go-to recipe. Oh my goodness, it’s pure comfort food! Seriously, every time I make this, I’m instantly transported to my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. It’s such a family favorite, and believe me, my kids are total fans. I’m a real sucker for anything that combines pumpkin, warmth, and sweetness just the sight of it bubbling away in the oven gets me all sentimental.

Not to mention, the best part is how versatile it is; you can totally use whatever you have on hand. Got some stale bread? Perfect! Out of pecans? Swap ‘em for walnuts or leave ‘em out! This bread pudding is all about what you like and what’s in your pantry, making it a fantastic weeknight meal option as well.

If you loved this Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding, be sure to check out my Doughnut Cake with Spiced Glaze, my Neiman Marcus Cake, or my Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

One of the things I adore about this recipe is that it comes together in under 60 minutes! No need for complicated kitchen gadgets or endless prep. You’re literally just whisking and folding, and BAM! Deliciousness.

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor and just screams cozy vibes, especially on those chilly fall evenings! The combination of pumpkin and spices is like a warm hug, so comforting, right?

Customizable

Want to switch things up? You can swap the pecans for your favorite nuts or add in some chocolate chips for extra indulgence. You can even throw in some dried fruit if you’re feeling adventurous!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is perfect for meal prep because you can make it ahead of time and warm it up when you’re ready to serve. Trust me, it’s a delicious make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day!

Crowd-Pleaser

Honestly, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a weeknight treat, everyone will be fighting over the last piece, my kids always do!

Serving Suggestions

So, how do you want to serve this beauty? Here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

Drizzle some maple syrup on top for an extra sweet touch.
Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream yes, please!
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for that little something extra.

Storage and Reheating

This Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s covered tightly.

When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or pop it in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds depending on your preference. It’s totally freezer-friendly too! If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then cover it very well and store it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!

Final Thoughts

There you have it! This warm, rich, and easy Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding is bound to become your next family favorite. Anytime you’re in need of a sweet comfort dessert or just want something cozy and simple, you can count on this one to deliver. Just the thought of it brings back all those beautiful memories shared around the family table.

Remember, food is about bringing people together, so whip up this delicious bread pudding and make some new memories with your loved ones. Happy cooking, friends! Enjoy every warm, comforting bite of this delightful fall dessert!

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