Easy Paula Deen Bread Pudding Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Minutes

Bread pudding transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical culinary experience that captures memories and comfort in every delectable bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this humble dessert as a testament to resourcefulness and sweet creativity.

Stale bread becomes a canvas for rich, custardy magic when combined with carefully selected ingredients.

Soft, pillowy textures mingle with caramelized notes that dance across your palate with unexpected elegance.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning family and friends to gather around the table with anticipation.

Each spoonful represents a delightful journey through traditional cooking techniques that honor simplicity and flavor.

This classic dessert promises to warm hearts and create lasting moments of shared joy: gather your ingredients and start baking!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• Warm Up Before Serving: Restore the pudding's magical texture by gently reheating in the oven for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and intensify.
• Master the Sauce Technique: Carefully melt sugar over medium heat while stirring constantly, preventing any graininess and creating a silky-smooth sauce.
• Create Irresistible Topping: Sprinkle brown sugar and pecans evenly across the surface, ensuring a delightful sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft pudding.
• Maximize Bread Absorption: Give the bread time to soak up the rich egg mixture for at least 10 minutes, transforming it into a creamy, luxurious custard.
• Optimize Bread Selection: Choose slightly stale bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent a mushy texture and achieve the perfect pudding consistency.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• Refrigerate: Wrap cooled bread pudding snugly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Preserve delicious flavors for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping each bite as moist and delectable as when first prepared.
• Freeze: Protect your dessert by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and nestling into a freezer-safe container. Stash away this sweet treat for future enjoyment, maintaining its rich taste for 2 months without compromising texture or quality.
• Reheat: Revive chilled bread pudding by placing a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Drape a damp paper towel over the top to lock in moisture, then gently warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

Why Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding is the Ultimate Comfort Dessert

• Transform Stale Bread: Magically convert ordinary leftover bread into a decadent dessert that rescues forgotten bread slices and turns them into a rich, comforting treat.
• Create Luxurious Layers: Develop a dessert with incredible textural contrast between the soft, custard-soaked bread and the crunchy pecan topping, offering a delightful sensory experience in every single bite.
• Southern Comfort Perfection: Capture the essence of traditional Southern baking with a simple yet indulgent recipe that brings family and friends together, celebrating classic comfort food with minimal cooking skills required.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• White Bread: Soft, day-old bread perfect for soaking up the rich custard mixture.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding and creating a rich, creamy texture in the pudding.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a caramelized top and sauce.
• Milk: Adds moisture and creates a silky custard base for the bread pudding.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender texture.
• Pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
• Brandy: Optional ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C / 350°F. Generously grease a 33 x 23 x 5 cm (13 x 9 x 2-inch) baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Bread Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Beaten eggs
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Gently fold in cubed bread and let the mixture sit and soak for 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the delicious liquid.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Brown sugar
• Softened butter
• Chopped pecans

Crumble the ingredients with your fingers to create a texture that will add a delightful crunch to the pudding.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan topping evenly across the surface. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the pudding is set and golden brown.

Step 5: Whip Up the Luxurious Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter
• Beaten egg
• Vanilla extract

Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Add a splash of brandy and mix well.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the bread pudding from the oven. Drizzle the warm sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately while warm or let it cool for a delightful cold dessert. Enjoy this Southern classic that’s sure to impress!

Creative Twists for Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

• Chocolate Chunk Indulgence: Replace some bread cubes with chocolate chunks, creating rich pockets of melted chocolate throughout the pudding. Sprinkle extra dark chocolate on top before baking for deeper flavor complexity.
• Tropical Fruit Splash: Fold diced fresh pineapple, mango, and shredded coconut into the bread mixture. Use rum instead of brandy in the sauce for a Caribbean-inspired dessert experience.
• Autumn Spice Comfort: Mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the bread mixture. Replace pecans with toasted walnuts and add a splash of maple syrup to the sauce for warm, seasonal notes.
• Berry Burst Edition: Layer fresh raspberries and blueberries between bread cubes before adding the sugar mixture. Swap brandy for orange liqueur in the sauce and garnish with fresh berries on top.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

Southern comfort meets culinary artistry in Paula Deen’s bread pudding, a symphony of sweet nostalgia and indulgent flavors.

Warm pecans dance with caramelized sugar, creating a dessert that whispers tales of familial gatherings and cherished memories.

Layers of custardy bread meld seamlessly with rich sauce, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Buttery nuances and brandy undertones elevate this classic recipe beyond traditional dessert boundaries.

Generations of home cooks have celebrated this masterpiece, passing down its delectable secrets through intimate kitchen moments.

You’ll find this bread pudding more than a recipe – it’s a delicious narrative waiting to be shared, savored, and remembered; so grab your fork, dive into this Southern delight, and let your taste buds explore pure culinary magic.

Paula Deen Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s legendary bread pudding brings Southern comfort to your dessert table with rich, custardy layers of indulgence. Warm vanilla sauce and tender bread create a classic Southern treat that melts hearts and satisfies sweet cravings in one delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups cubed Italian bread
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup brandy

Fats and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup softened butter
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 egg (for the sauce)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 175°C / 350°F and generously coating a 33 x 23 x 5 cm (13 x 9 x 2-inch) baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Create the bread foundation by gently combining granulated sugar, lightly beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl. Carefully fold in cubed bread pieces, allowing them to soak and absorb the liquid mixture for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Craft the nutty topping by blending brown sugar, softened butter, and chopped pecans until the mixture reaches a crumbly, textured consistency.
4. Transfer the saturated bread mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle the pecan-brown sugar crumble across the surface, creating a delectable layer of sweetness.
5. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, monitoring until the pudding sets and develops a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
6. While the pudding bakes, prepare the decadent sauce by combining remaining granulated sugar, melted butter, an additional beaten egg, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
7. Once the sauce reaches a smooth consistency, incorporate brandy and continue stirring to blend the flavors thoroughly.
8. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the warm, rich sauce generously over the pudding just before serving.
9. Serve the dessert either warm or chilled, offering a luxurious and comforting sweet treat that can be enjoyed in various temperatures.

Notes

• Warm Serving Enhances Flavor: Bread pudding reaches its peak deliciousness when served straight from the oven, delivering a comforting warmth that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.
• Slow Sauce Preparation Matters: Gentle heat and constant stirring transform sugar into a silky-smooth sauce, preventing any unwanted graininess that could disrupt the pudding’s luxurious texture.
• Topping Creates Delightful Contrast: Generously sprinkle brown sugar and pecans across the surface, creating a crispy, caramelized layer that beautifully complements the pudding’s soft, custardy interior.
• Soaking Bread Develops Rich Flavor: Letting bread rest in the egg mixture allows it to drink up every delicious drop, ensuring a creamy, indulgent consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Stale Bread Works Best: Choose day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess, guaranteeing a perfect, slightly crisp texture that holds up beautifully during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 724 kcal
• Sugar: 83g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 85g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 170mg