Decadent Raisin Pecan Bread Pudding with Rich Brandy Sauce
Indulge in the comforting richness of this Decadent Raisin Pecan Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Featuring soft bread cubes soaked in half-and-half, elevated with plump raisins and crunchy pecans, this dessert is baked until golden and set to create a luscious custard-like consistency. The optional Brandy Sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite unforgettable. Although it can be enjoyed on its own, pairing it with vanilla ice cream creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is truly divine. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert, which is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 tablespoon (for greasing the baking dish)
Half-and-half
2 cups (divided)
Bread cubes
3 cups (soft, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes)
Eggs
3 large (beaten)
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup (sugar)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
Raisins
2 tablespoons (soaked in alcohol or juice)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons (dark)
Butter
2 1/2 tablespoons (cut into small cubes for topping)
Pecans
1/4 cup (chopped)
Vanilla ice cream
1 cup (for sauce)
Egg yolks
2 (lightly beaten)
Brandy
1/4 cup (for sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large bowl, soak the bread cubes in 1 cup of half-and-half for about one hour, allowing them to absorb the cream.
3
While the bread is soaking, butter a 1-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5
Add the soaked bread mixture to the egg mixture, folding gently to combine and ensuring all bread is well coated. Stir in the soaked raisins.
6
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of the bread pudding, then dot with small cubes of butter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the pudding is set and slightly puffed. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
9
For the optional Brandy Sauce, melt the vanilla ice cream in a 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat.
10
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the hot melted ice cream to temper the yolks, being careful not to scramble them.
11
Return the egg yolk mixture to the pan with the remaining melted ice cream, stirring constantly as you heat the sauce back to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
12
Stir in the brandy, mix well, and remove from heat.
13
Serve the warm bread pudding with a drizzle of Brandy Sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Raisin Pecan Bread Pudding?
It is a rich dessert made of soft bread cubes soaked in half-and-half and eggs, featuring raisins and pecans, baked until golden and served with an optional brandy sauce.
How long should the bread cubes soak in half-and-half?
The bread cubes should be soaked for about one hour to allow them to fully absorb the cream.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of bread is used for the pudding?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of soft bread cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.
How do I prepare the raisins for the pudding?
The raisins should be soaked in alcohol or juice before being folded into the bread mixture.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 1-quart baking dish is used for this recipe.
What is the secret ingredient for the Brandy Sauce base?
The base of the Brandy Sauce is made by melting 1 cup of vanilla ice cream in a sauté pan.
How do you temper the egg yolks for the sauce?
Gradually whisk 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the hot melted ice cream into the beaten yolks before returning the mixture to the pan.
How long does the bread pudding need to bake?
It should bake for about 1 hour until the pudding is set and slightly puffed.
What ingredients make up the crunchy topping?
The topping consists of ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and small cubes of butter.
How many eggs are used in the pudding mixture?
The bread pudding mixture requires 3 large beaten eggs.
Is half-and-half the only liquid in the pudding?
The recipe uses 2 cups of half-and-half, divided between soaking the bread and the egg mixture.
How long should the pudding cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the pudding cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
When is the brandy added to the sauce?
Stir in 1/4 cup of brandy after the sauce has simmered for 2 to 3 minutes and remove it from the heat.
Can I serve this with anything else?
Yes, it is excellent served with a drizzle of Brandy Sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What kind of sugar is used in the topping?
Two tablespoons of dark brown sugar are used for the topping.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and pure vanilla extract.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, use 1 tablespoon of butter to grease the dish to prevent the pudding from sticking.
How many egg yolks are used for the Brandy Sauce?
The sauce requires 2 lightly beaten egg yolks.
What texture should the bread pudding have?
It should have a luscious custard-like consistency with a crunchy pecan topping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 15 ingredients, including those for the optional sauce.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a delightful family favorite.
Can I use granulated sugar in the pudding mixture?
Yes, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar is whisked into the custard mixture.
What is the purpose of dotting the top with butter?
The butter dots on top help create a rich, golden, and flavorful crust during the baking process.
What kind of pecans are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for the topping.
How do I know when the pudding is finished baking?
The pudding is done when it is set in the center and has slightly puffed up.
Is vanilla extract used in the pudding?
Yes, 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract are added to the custard base.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a dessert and baked good.
How do you combine the bread and egg mixtures?
The soaked bread mixture should be gently folded into the whisked egg and cream mixture.
What heat should be used for making the sauce?
The sauce should be made over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer.