Pumpkin Dessert Dressing

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2 -Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with a tablespoon of softened butter.

Step 3 -In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.

Step 4 -Add the cubed bread, mixing until just combined. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes to let the bread absorb flavors.

Step 5 -Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking pan.

Step 6 -Bake the dessert dressing until golden brown and the center is set, about 40-45 minutes. It might puff up during baking, but it should deflate once removed from the oven.

Step 7 -Meanwhile, add the heavy cream, egg yolks, and sugar to a saucepan and whisk to combine into a smooth mixture.

Step 8 -Over medium heat on the stove-top, gently cook the mixture, whisking constantly until the mixture can thinly coat the back of a spoon, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 9 -Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool, stirring it frequently.

Step 10 -In a separate saucepan on the stove-top over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter.

Step 11 -Add the pecans and cook until a nutty aroma emerges and the butter browns, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 12 -Then combine the pecan mixture and the cream mixture. Stir in the whiskey.

Step 13 -Serve the dessert dressing warm and drizzled with the whiskey pecan sauce, with more on the side as an option!