Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (16 oz) loaf day old French bread
- 2 and ½ cups milk
- 1 cup half & half (substitute with whole milk or heavy cream if preferred)
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 and ½ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Cube the day-old French bread and place it in a large bowl, setting the stage for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, half & half, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. This blend will serve as the custard base, infusing the bread with creamy sweetness.
- Soak the Bread: Pour the liquid mixture over the cubed bread. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, giving the bread ample time to soak up the flavors and ensuring a moist, tender pudding.
- Prepare the Pecan Mixture: In a small bowl, use a fork to combine softened butter, brown sugar, and chopped pecans until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will create a topping that’s both crunchy and rich, adding a delightful contrast to the pudding.
- Layer in Pan: Pour half of the soaked bread mixture into an 8×8 inch baking pan. Sprinkle half of the pecan mixture on top, then layer the remaining bread mixture and finish with the remaining pecan mixture. Press down slightly; the pan will be quite full.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pan on a cookie sheet with an edge (to catch any overflow) and bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 55 minutes. The center should be slightly wiggly but will set upon cooling.
Notes
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lactose-free version, substitute the milk and half & half with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Nut Variations: While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can also be used for a different flavor profile.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of granulated or brown sugar to suit your taste. For a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar is an excellent substitute.