Decadent Pecan Pie Casserole: A Twist on a Southern Classic

Take your love for pecan pie to the next level with this luscious pecan pie casserole! Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy gatherings, this dish combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie with a warm, custardy casserole texture. It’s easy to prepare and serves a crowd, making it a perfect choice for your next special occasion. Each bite is a symphony of gooey sweetness, crisp pecans, and a buttery crumble that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

For the Base:

  • 3 cups cubed bread (preferably brioche or challah)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Bread Base:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
    • Spread the cubed bread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
  2. Mix the Custard:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
    • Pour the mixture over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Make the Pecan Filling:
    • In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecan halves.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Pour the pecan filling evenly over the soaked bread base.
  5. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
    • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake:
    • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
    • If the topping begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes.
  7. Serve:
    • Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
    • Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

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