If pumpkin pie and bread pudding had a love story, this Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding would be their happily ever after. Creamy pumpkin custard soaks into soft bread cubes, then gets baked until golden and topped with a rich, buttery pecan praline sauce. It’s cozy, indulgent, and the ultimate holiday dessert for your Thanksgiving table—or anytime you want a sweet slice of autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding
- Creamy & Comforting – The custard-like texture is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a cozy weekend dessert.
- The Praline Sauce – Buttery, sweet, and nutty, it’s the crown jewel of this dessert.
- Easy Make-Ahead Option – Assemble ahead and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread work best)
For the Praline Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Pumpkin Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, half-and-half, milk, eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Assemble the Bread Pudding
Place cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. Pour pumpkin custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently so every piece absorbs the liquid. Let soak for 15–20 minutes.
4. Bake
Bake uncovered for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
5. Make the Praline Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and cream, stirring until smooth. Stir in pecans and vanilla; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve
Spoon warm praline sauce over slices of pumpkin bread pudding. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips
- Best Bread Choice – Use sturdy, slightly stale bread so it soaks up the custard without getting mushy.
- Make Ahead – Assemble bread pudding, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day.
- Extra Crunch – Sprinkle pecans over the bread pudding before baking for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm, or microwave individual servings.
Why This Recipe Works
The pumpkin custard infuses every bite with rich, spiced flavor, while the praline sauce adds a buttery caramel crunch that makes this dessert truly unforgettable.
More Pumpkin Desserts to Try
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, swirled perfection.
- Pumpkin Roll with Cream Cheese Filling – A holiday classic.
- Pumpkin Crumb Cake – Soft cake with a buttery streusel topping.
Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding is everything fall should taste like—warm, sweet, nutty, and impossible to resist. Bake it once, and it just might become your new signature holiday dessert.