Save This Guava Caramel Bread Pudding With Pecans is an irresistible dessert featuring soft bread soaked in creamy custard. Layered with tangy guava and rich caramel, and finished with the satisfying crunch of pecans, it is a decadent fusion of Latin American flavors and classic comfort.
Save Perfect for a cozy weekend treat or a special holiday brunch, this recipe elevates traditional bread pudding into something truly memorable. By allowing the bread to soak thoroughly and layering the caramel throughout, every bite is infused with sweetness and a hint of tropical flair.
Ingredients
- 8 cups (about 300 g) day-old brioche or challah, cubed
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (300 g) guava paste, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 3/4 cup (85 g) chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use butter to grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3
- Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture. Gently stir to ensure all pieces are coated and let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 4
- Fold the guava paste cubes and exactly half of the chopped pecans into the soaked bread mixture.
- Step 5
- Pour half of the mixture into the prepared dish and drizzle with half of the caramel sauce. Add the rest of the bread mixture and drizzle with the remaining caramel.
- Step 6
- Sprinkle the remaining pecans over the top and drizzle with the melted butter.
- Step 7
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden. If it browns too fast, tent it with foil.
- Step 8
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensuring the bread is day-old is key; if it is too fresh, it may not absorb the custard properly. If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast the cubes in a low oven for a few minutes to dry them out before soaking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a tropical twist, you can add a handful of shredded coconut to the custard mixture. If pecans are unavailable, walnuts make an excellent substitute to maintain that signature crunch.
Serviervorschläge
This bread pudding is best enjoyed warm. For a truly decadent experience, serve each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the rich caramel and guava flavors.
Save With its beautiful golden crust and gooey, flavorful center, this Guava Caramel Bread Pudding With Pecans is a show-stopping finish to any meal. Share it with friends and family for a sweet and memorable dessert experience.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best?
Day-old brioche or challah are ideal choices because their rich, eggy structure absorbs the custard beautifully while maintaining texture. Stale bread actually works better than fresh since it soaks up the liquid without becoming mushy.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. The extended soaking time only improves the texture. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you'll start with a cold dish.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and the center feels set when gently shaken. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, not liquidy. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
- → What if I can't find guava paste?
You can substitute with mango paste, pineapple preserves, or even fig spread for different flavor profiles. Each will maintain the tropical element while offering a unique twist on the original.
- → Can I make this without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. The dessert will still be delicious with just the guava and caramel flavors shining through.