Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Scrumptious Pumpkin Bread Pudding
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the ideal moment to plan an unforgettable Thanksgiving feast, complete with delightful dishes that bring joy to the table. Among my preferred desserts to impress guests is this rich and comforting Pumpkin Bread Pudding, enhanced with a luscious Maple Pecan Caramel Sauce and a smooth Bourbon-Infused Whipped Cream.
Understanding the Classic Bread Pudding
Bread pudding is a timeless dessert crafted by soaking cubes of bread in a rich custard blend of eggs, cream, sugar, and aromatic spices, then baked to golden perfection. This method transforms simple bread into a moist and flavorful treat, making it a popular choice for festive occasions.
A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist
Inspired by renowned chef Brian Olenjack’s Thanksgiving recipes shared in a 2010 newsletter, I embraced this delectable dish last Thanksgiving and received enthusiastic praise from family and friends. It’s become a staple on my holiday menu, destined to delight again this year!
Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread Pudding
- 5 Large Eggs
- 1 (15 oz) Can of Pumpkin Puree
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Half-and-Half
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- Juice of 1 Lime
- 1 Loaf White Bread, sliced into 1-inch cubes and lightly toasted
Step-by-Step Preparation
Combine all ingredients except the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blending until smooth and uniform.
Gently fold the custard mixture into the toasted bread cubes, taking care to keep the pieces intact. Allow the mixture to rest for two hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes to ensure even soaking.
Transfer the soaked bread mixture evenly into two lightly greased 8-inch baking pans. Cover the pans snugly with plastic wrap and then seal with foil to lock in moisture, ensuring a tender and creamy pudding.
Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and plastic wrap, then continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust.
Crafting the Maple Pecan Caramel Sauce
- ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
- ¼ cup Packed Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Chopped Pecans
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat. Stir frequently and cook until the sauce reaches approximately 220°F (104°C), as measured with a candy thermometer, to ensure the perfect caramel consistency.
Set the caramel aside to cool for about 20 minutes. Skim off any foam from the surface to maintain a smooth texture before serving.
Preparing the Bourbon Whipped Cream
- 3 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 quart Heavy Cream
Chill a mixing bowl thoroughly before pouring in the heavy cream. Using a mixer, whip the cream while gradually adding sugar and bourbon until soft to medium peaks form, creating a velvety and aromatic topping.
Final Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Slice a generous portion of the warm pumpkin bread pudding onto each dessert plate. Drizzle the Maple Pecan Caramel Sauce over the top, then crown with a generous dollop of the bourbon whipped cream. This combination offers a decadent finale to your Thanksgiving meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Holiday Must-Have
Whether it’s your inaugural Thanksgiving dinner or you’re a seasoned holiday chef, this Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished tradition. Its rich flavors and comforting textures make it a standout dessert that captivates guests year after year. Embrace the season, impress your loved ones, and savor every bite of this cozy autumn treat!
