Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Pecan Praline Bread Pudding with Irish Cream Drizzle?
It is a rich dessert featuring custard-soaked French bread topped with a crispy pecan praline and finished with a luxurious Irish cream sauce.
What ingredients are used to make the custard?
The custard is made from heavy whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, 4 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, real vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 whole eggs and 1 additional egg yolk.
Can I use fresh or day-old bread?
Yes, you can use either fresh or day-old French bread for this pudding.
How long should the bread cubes soak in the custard?
The bread should soak in the custard mixture for at least 15 minutes.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
Why does the oven temperature change during baking?
The temperature is increased to 350°F (175°C) for the final 15 minutes to ensure the pudding is puffed up and properly browned.
How do I know when the bread pudding is finished?
The pudding is done when it is puffed up and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What makes up the pecan praline topping?
The topping is a mixture of brown sugar, chopped pecans, softened butter, and salt.
How is the Irish cream sauce prepared?
It is made by heating heavy cream and sugar, adding Irish cream liqueur, and thickening the mixture with a cornstarch slurry.
How long should the Irish cream sauce boil?
Once the Irish cream is added, let the sauce boil for 2-3 minutes to allow some alcohol to evaporate.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch slurry in the sauce?
The slurry, made of milk and cornstarch, is used to thicken the sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the bread pudding to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many calories are in one serving of this bread pudding?
Each serving contains approximately 288 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 19 grams of fat.
How many cups of bread cubes are needed?
The recipe requires between 6 and 8 cups of French bread cubes.
What type of vanilla extract should be used?
The recipe specifies using 2 teaspoons of real vanilla extract.
How much Irish cream liqueur is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of Irish cream liqueur.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are traditional for a praline topping, you could likely substitute with walnuts, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 60 minutes (45 minutes at 300°F and 15 minutes at 350°F).
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for holidays, special occasions, or birthdays.
How much brown sugar is in the praline topping?
The topping uses 1 cup of lightly packed brown sugar.
Does the sauce contain real cream?
Yes, the sauce uses heavy cream as its primary base.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
How much carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 23 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should generously butter the glass baking dish before adding the mixture.
What texture can I expect from this dessert?
You can expect a contrast between the rich, soft custard-soaked bread and the crispy, crunchy pecan topping.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of softened butter for the praline topping.
Is the Irish cream sauce served warm?
Yes, the warm sauce should be drizzled over the bread pudding portions before serving.