Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
A fast and easy bread pudding sweetened with maple syrup and toasted pecans, served with a warm vanilla sauce. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers cubed day-old brioche bread, large eggs, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 cups, cubed day-old brioche bread
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup, toasted pecan halves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8x8-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Step 2: Place 5 cups cubed day-old brioche bread in the prepared dish and sprinkle 3/4 cup toasted pecan halves evenly over the top.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread and nuts, pressing down gently to soak the bread. Let stand for 10 minutes to absorb.
- Step 5: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, make the vanilla sauce by whisking 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and just boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional). Serve the warm bread pudding with generous spoonfuls of vanilla sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Quick Maple Pecan Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
