Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding

Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is a cozy, indulgent dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Soft cubes of bread are soaked in a rich pumpkin custard and baked to golden perfection, then topped with a warm, buttery praline sauce made with pecans and brown sugar. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something sweet and seasonal, this bread pudding is a showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Fall Dessert – Warm spices and pumpkin flavor make it ideal for chilly nights and festive meals.
• Easy to Make Ahead – Can be prepared in advance and reheated for serving.
• Luxurious Texture – The creamy custard contrasts beautifully with the crisp praline topping.
• Great Use for Day-Old Bread – Transform stale bread into something truly decadent.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Ideal for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Pudding:

• 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Praline Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Bread: Place bread cubes in the baking dish.
3. Make Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, milk, cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt.
4. Combine: Pour custard over the bread, pressing gently to soak. Let sit 30 minutes so bread absorbs mixture.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and custard is set.
6. Make Praline Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cream, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla.
7. Serve: Spoon warm praline sauce over individual servings of bread pudding.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rest Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: Mix in raisins, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a plant-based cream for the custard.
• Bourbon Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the praline sauce for a grown-up version.
• Maple Flavor: Substitute maple syrup for part of the brown sugar in the topping.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze bread pudding (without sauce) in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions. Reheat praline sauce separately and pour over before serving.

FAQs

What type of bread is best for bread pudding?

Brioche, challah, or French bread are best due to their sturdy yet soft texture that absorbs the custard without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bread pudding the night before and refrigerate. Bake and top with sauce when ready to serve.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

It’s not recommended, as pie filling contains added sugar and spices that could affect the flavor balance.

How do I know when the bread pudding is done?

The custard should be set and no longer jiggly in the center. A knife inserted should come out clean.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds work well, or skip the nuts altogether if preferred.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a sturdy gluten-free bread and ensure other ingredients (like spices) are gluten-free.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

The praline sauce is rich, but you can reduce the sugar in the custard or the sauce slightly if desired.

Can I serve this cold?

While best warm, it can be served chilled with whipped cream for a different experience.

How do I thicken praline sauce if it’s too runny?

Simmer it a few minutes longer to reduce, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Should I toast the pecans first?

Toasting adds flavor, but it’s optional since they’ll be simmered in the sauce.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is a dessert that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your fall table. With its creamy pumpkin base and decadent praline topping, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion where you want to impress without too much fuss. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite.

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