Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
Add bread, tossing gently to coat. Spoon mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover with foil; chill 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 35
Place dish in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; add hot water to pan to a depth of 1 inch.
Bake, covered, at 350 for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Serve each bread pudding piece warm with about 1 tablespoon syrup and 1 1/2 teaspoons pecans.
