This Apple Pecan Bread Pudding is a quintessential dessert that embodies the warmth and comfort of autumn. It combines the tender sweetness of apples, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of bread pudding, all wrapped in a blanket of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This dessert is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a testament to the resourcefulness of using stale bread to create something truly magical. It’s a perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, especially when served with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Ingredients

• (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and grated
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup uncooked oatmeal
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Bread Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Add Bread and Apples: Fold in the cubed bread and grated apples until they are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
4. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Assemble the Pudding: Pour the bread mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish coated with melted butter.
6. Make the Streusel Topping: In a food processor, pulse together the cold butter, flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, salt, egg, and chopped pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel over the bread pudding.
7. Bake the Pudding: Bake for about 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare Caramel Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar and increase heat to medium, whisking until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.
9. Serve: Serve warm bread pudding topped with caramel sauce and additional chopped pecans if desired.

Top Tips

• Use Stale Bread: The best bread puddings are made with stale bread, as it absorbs liquid better.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to avoid a dense pudding.
• Caramelize Apples: Cooking apples with a bit of sugar before adding them to the pudding enhances their flavor.
• Customize the Streusel: Experiment with different types of nuts or spices in the streusel topping.
• Resting Time: Let the bread pudding rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Caramel Sauce Ahead: Prepare the caramel sauce while the pudding bakes for optimal timing.

Variations

• Bourbon Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the egg mixture for a grown-up twist.
• Different Apples: Use Granny Smith apples for a tangier flavor or a mix of apple varieties for complexity.
• Nutty Alternatives: Substitute walnuts or hazelnuts for pecans for a different texture.
• Spiced Apple Compote: Cook down apples with cinnamon and nutmeg to create a compote to layer in the pudding.
• Brioche Bread: Use brioche instead of French bread for a richer, more buttery flavor.
• Cinnamon Sugar Crust: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the streusel before baking for an extra crunchy topping.

Nutritional Guide

This Apple Pecan Bread Pudding is a treat that balances sweetness with the warmth of spices and the crunch of nuts. While it is rich in calories and carbohydrates, it can be a satisfying dessert when served in moderation. Consider using lighter alternatives like low-fat milk or reducing the amount of sugar for a healthier version. Additionally, the use of whole grains or nuts adds some nutritional value, making it a slightly more balanced dessert option.