Pecan Pie Bread Pudding

 

This is on my list to make!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf day-old French baguette
• 5 eggs
• 3 1/2 C whole milk
• 1 C sugar
• 1 T vanilla
• 1/2 C butter
• 1 1/2 C brown sugar
• 1 1/2 C shelled pecan halves

Directions

1. Cut the bread into cubes and let sit out about an hour to dry out a bit.  Using day-old bread is perfect; the drier the bread cubes, the better!
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the eggs until they are combined.  Add the milk, sugar, and vanilla and stir until combined.
4. Place the bread cubes in a baking pan and pour the milk and egg mixture over them.
5. Melt butter in microwave-proof bowl.  Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved; then stir in the pecans.
6. Pour this mixture over the bread and egg mixture, and gently fold.  Don't mix it in too thoroughly, just fold the mixture so it forms into clumps throughout the bread pudding.  
7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is slightly brown.  The center will still be a little jiggly.
8. Allow to cool at least 20 minutes before serving.  The egg mixture will continue to cook, and the bread will soak up more of the pecan solution.