Name: Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut in pieces); 1/3 cup guava marmalade*; Pinch of salt; 5 cups cubed day-old thick bakery bread (brioche or challah); 6 large eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons spiced rum; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 12 ounces evaporated milk; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Cooking spray; Candied Pecans (click the recipe name for the recipe)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a flavor adventure that brings both nostalgia and a tropical twist to your table, you simply can’t miss making Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans. This dreamy dessert layers silky custard-soaked brioche, a luscious guava-infused caramel, and the addictive crunch of candied pecans. It’s an irresistible treat with a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy notes, ideal for family gatherings, brunches, or spoiling yourself on a cozy evening.

Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this luscious pudding is that it calls for straightforward, approachable ingredients, each bringing its own delightful magic to the mix and creating a showstopper dessert. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters to the success of your Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans:

Granulated sugar: This forms the base of the irresistible homemade caramel, providing depth and just the right sweetness.
Heavy cream (room temperature): Gives creaminess to your caramel sauce, ensuring that it’s beautifully rich and smooth.
Unsalted butter (cut in pieces): Adds silkiness and helps the caramel develop a luxurious texture and glossy sheen.
Guava marmalade: Delivers that unique tropical tartness, creating a sauce you’ll want to spoon onto everything.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the nuanced flavors in the caramel.
Day-old thick bakery bread (brioche or challah): Perfect for soaking up the rich custard without falling apart—stale bread works best so don’t skip this tip!
Large eggs: The key to setting the custard, ensuring your bread pudding is sliceable but tender.
Sugar: Sweetens the custard base and lightly candies the bread as it bakes.
Vanilla extract: Deepens the aroma and ties together all the flavors.
Spiced rum: Adds subtle complexity and warmth; don’t worry, the alcohol bakes off, leaving flavor behind.
Sweetened condensed milk: Brings decadent smoothness and unmistakable richness.
Evaporated milk: Makes the custard lush while keeping everything light on the tongue.
Cinnamon: A warm, cozy spice that pairs beautifully with both guava and pecans.
Nutmeg: Just a hint elevates the entire pudding with a fragrant finish.
Salt: Inside the custard, salt helps every flavor pop perfectly.
Cooking spray: Ensures your pudding lifts easily from the pan with no sticky mess.
Candied pecans: These make every bite a party, adding crunch and a touch of maple-like sweetness.

How to Make Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans

Step 1: Make the Guava Caramel Sauce

This is where the magic starts! In a sturdy saucepan on medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring until it turns a deep golden amber. Keep a close eye, as caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Gradually pour in your heavy cream and butter (caution, it may bubble up!) and stir constantly until you get a glossy sauce. Off the heat, fold in that luscious guava marmalade and a pinch of salt. Let it cool to thicken slightly; this tropical caramel is going to be the signature of your Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a 9×13-inch dish so nothing sticks behind. Toss in the cubed bread, spreading it out in a single, even layer. Using day-old bread is essential here—it soaks up all the custard without turning to mush, allowing your pudding to bake up beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a big mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until the mixture turns creamy and slightly pale. Next, add the vanilla, spiced rum, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until everything is silky smooth—this custard is going to seep into every nook and cranny of the bread.

Step 4: Assemble and Soak

Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, making sure every piece gets its fair share. Give everything a gentle press to help the bread soak up all that flavor. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to ensure the bread is fully saturated before baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is deeply golden on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If you love crispy edges, let it go the full time! The heavenly aroma filling your kitchen will be almost impossible to resist.

Step 6: Top, Cut, and Serve

Let the bread pudding cool for 10 minutes before cutting into tempting squares. Drizzle with generous ribbons of homemade guava caramel, then scatter over plenty of candied pecans. Every single bite of Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans has creamy, crunchy, and gooey elements dancing together—absolutely sublime!

How to Serve Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans

Garnishes

This dessert shines even brighter with thoughtful toppings. After drizzling with that glossy guava caramel, add a flurry of candied pecans and consider a little dusting of cinnamon or extra nutmeg. For a cool contrast, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will make your Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans truly unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Pair this pudding with light accompaniments to let the tropical notes sing. Fresh sliced mangoes, strawberries, or a small glass of hot coffee make excellent partners. For brunch, set it next to crisp bacon or salty breakfast sausage—the sweet and savory combo is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your plating! Serve your Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans as individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch, or pile it high in rustic squares on a shared platter with caramel pooling all around. Mini jars are a fun make-ahead option for picnics or lunchboxes, and leftovers inspire the most satisfying midnight snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this a dessert that’s even better the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the bread pudding cool completely, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving with fresh caramel and pecans.

Reheating

Gently reheat portions in a 300ºF oven, covered, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in 30-second increments. Finish with a new drizzle of guava caramel and some fresh candied pecans to recapture that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular white bread instead of brioche or challah?

While you can make bread pudding with plain white bread, using richer breads like brioche or challah creates a far superior texture and flavor. Their tender crumb and light sweetness set this dessert apart and help absorb the custard beautifully.

Where can I find guava marmalade?

Look for guava marmalade in the international aisle of most grocery stores, at Latin or Caribbean markets, or online. If you can’t find it, a guava paste gently melted with a splash of water works wonderfully in a pinch.

How do I keep the caramel sauce from hardening?

The key is to let the sauce cool enough to thicken but not so long that it firms up. If needed, you can gently rewarm it before serving—just a few seconds in the microwave or a quick stir on the stove brings it back to a pourable consistency.

Is it possible to make this pudding alcohol-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the spiced rum; your Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans will still be loaded with flavor, making it perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.

Can I make candied pecans at home?

Yes! Toss pecan halves with sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of water before roasting until glossy and crisp. Homemade candied pecans bring an unbeatable freshness and crunch to your pudding.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans is pure comfort with a tropical twist, perfect for impressing a crowd or just treating yourself. Every element—from the guava-laced caramel to the melt-in-your-mouth custard and crackly pecans—makes this a go-to family favorite. Give it a whirl, and share your success—friends and family will be begging you for the recipe!

Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding with Pecans Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 11 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Homemade Guava Caramel Bread Pudding topped with crunchy candied pecans. The rich guava caramel sauce adds a tropical twist to this classic dessert, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Instructions

Make the Guava Caramel Sauce – In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat until amber-colored. Drizzle in cream and add butter while stirring. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, stir in guava marmalade and salt. Set aside.
Make the Bread Pudding – Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13 baking dish. Place bread cubes in dish. Mix sugar and eggs, add vanilla, rum, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour mixture over bread. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Serve with guava caramel sauce and pecans.