This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, combining the warm spices of apple pie with the soft, custardy goodness of bread pudding. Topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust and drizzled with rich caramel sauce, it’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something cozy and sweet.
📋 Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 1 large loaf of French bread , preferably day-old or slightly stale, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 large apples, peeled and finely diced
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for added warmth)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes . If the bread is fresh, leave the cubes out for about 15–20 minutes to dry slightly—this helps them absorb the custard better.
Step 3: Make the Custard
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk , heavy cream , eggs , granulated sugar , cinnamon , nutmeg , and cardamom (if using) until fully blended and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Bread & Apples
- Add the bread cubes and diced apples to the custard mixture. Gently stir to coat everything evenly, ensuring the bread absorbs the liquid without breaking apart.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the bread and custard mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon . Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bread pudding for a sweet, spiced crust.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
- Bake the bread pudding in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp. The pudding should be set but still soft and custardy inside.
Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- While the pudding bakes, make the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the butter , heavy cream , and brown sugar .
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat , stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 4–5 minutes , stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 9: Serve
- Once the bread pudding is baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over each serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Apple Pie Bread Pudding!
Tips for Success
- Bread Choice: Use a sturdy bread like French bread, brioche, or challah for the best texture. Stale bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
- Apple Varieties: Choose firm, flavorful apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the bread pudding (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked bread pudding tightly wrapped for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if frozen).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is like a warm hug in dessert form. The tender bread soaks up the creamy, spiced custard, while the diced apples add bursts of fruity flavor and texture. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful crunch, and the caramel sauce ties everything together with its rich, buttery sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this dish is sure to delight. Dive into this cozy, autumn-inspired treat and savor every bite!
