Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce is a dessert that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. It combines soft sweet potatoes, warm spices, and creamy custard with crunchy pecans and a rich praline sauce. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this dish has a balance of sweetness, richness, and health benefits. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible dessert and explore some helpful tips to perfect it.
What Makes This Dessert Special?
- Nutritious Ingredients: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients help improve eye health, digestion, and immune function.
- Comforting Texture: The combination of soft bread, custard, and sweet potato puree creates a smooth, custardy texture.
- Flavorful Toppings: The pecan praline sauce adds crunch and sweetness, making this dessert extra special.
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Ingredients for Bread Pudding
- 2 cups diced sweet potato
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar + ¼ cup, divided
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups low-fat milk
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 8 cups diced stale French bread (preferably whole-wheat)
Ingredients for Pecan Praline Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream + ¾ cup, divided
- ⅓ cup chopped toasted pecans
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Puree
- Combine sweet potatoes, water, sugars, butter, orange and lemon zest, juices, and salt in a saucepan.
- Boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender (15–25 minutes).
- Puree the mixture in a food processor until smooth. Cool it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
2. Make the Custard
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7×11-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and the sweet potato puree.
- Stir in the bread cubes, ensuring they’re fully coated.
3. Bake the Pudding
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Place the dish inside a larger roasting pan.
- Add boiling water to the roasting pan, enough to reach 1 inch up the sides of the baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the center is set.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and 2 tablespoons of cream.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Stir in the remaining cream and cook for 1 minute.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm pecan praline sauce over the bread pudding. Add whipped cream, if desired for extra indulgence.
Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
- Choose the Right Bread: Use thick bread like brioche, challah, or whole-wheat French bread. Avoid soft sandwich bread.
- Customize Toppings: Try adding whipped cream, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- Serving Temperature: Bread pudding tastes great warm or at room temperature. Warm the sauce for extra flavor.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
- Sweet potatoes: high in vitamin A, antioxidants, and fiber, they boost eye health and digestion.
- Whole-Wheat Bread: Adds fiber and B vitamins for energy and better digestion.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding with Pecan Praline Sauce is a dessert that combines rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. With its creamy texture, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether served with whipped cream, ice cream, or just as it is, this dish is a must-try for dessert lovers.
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