This warm caramel apple bread pudding is like a cozy hug on a plate! Soft bread, sweet apples, and rich caramel come together for a comforting dessert that feels like fall.
Honestly, it’s hard to resist the gooey caramel sauce drizzled on top. I can’t help but sneak extra bites when no one is looking! 😄 Pair it with ice cream, and you’ve got a treat that will make everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is best for this recipe because it soaks up the custard mixture beautifully. French bread or brioche are great choices. If you’re in a pinch, any other bread will also work, even leftover bagels or hot dog buns!
Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the caramel. Fuji apples are sweet and hold their shape too. If you prefer, mix varieties for added flavor—Honeycrisp pair well too!
Nuts: Pecans add a nice crunch, but you can substitute walnuts or skip nuts altogether for nut-free options. If someone is allergic, sunflower seeds can give you a similar texture without the risk.
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich custard. If you want to lighten things up, use 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative. Just keep the ratios similar for proper consistency.
How Do I Get My Bread Pudding To Soak Properly?
The soaking step is key for achieving that creamy texture. After combining the bread and apples with the egg mixture, take the time to press down the bread gently. This helps it soak up all the custard. Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld, ensuring every bite is delicious!
- Make sure to coat all bread pieces in the mixture before letting it soak.
- A light press helps the mixture seep in without falling apart.
This bread pudding is simple yet comforting, and I often find myself making it on chilly evenings. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (French bread or brioche works well)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Topping:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious caramel apple bread pudding takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 45-50 minutes for baking. You’ll also want to let it cool slightly before serving, so plan for about 1 hour total time. Perfect for a cozy evening dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
In a large bowl, toss the day-old bread cubes with the melted butter until they’re well coated. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the custard.
3. Mix the Custard:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Apples and Nuts:
Add the chopped apples and chopped nuts to the bowl with the bread cubes. Gently mix to incorporate the apples and nuts evenly throughout the bread.
5. Soak the Bread Mixture:
Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and apple combination. Gently press down the bread cubes so they can absorb the liquid. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up all that delicious custard.
6. Bake the Pudding:
Transfer the soaked mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a knife inserted in the center that comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help set the pudding a bit before serving. Drizzle the warm pudding generously with caramel sauce right before you serve it!
8. Enjoy!
This bread pudding is best served warm. You can enjoy it as is or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Enjoy your cozy dessert bursting with tender apples, warm spices, and luscious caramel!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
Using fresh bread is possible, but it won’t soak up the custard as well as day-old bread. To mimic the texture of stale bread, you can slightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for 10-15 minutes before using them in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this bread pudding gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Ensure that all your other ingredients, including the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce when serving to refresh the flavors!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like pears, blueberries, or even dried fruits like raisins and cranberries. Just be mindful of how additional moisture or sweetness from the fruits may affect the overall consistency, and adjust baking time if necessary.
