Description
Apple bread pudding is a comforting dessert made with cubes of brioche or challah soaked in a rich vanilla custard and mixed with warm spiced apples. Baked until golden and soft, this cozy dessert combines the flavors of apple pie with the creamy texture of classic bread pudding.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf challah or brioche bread (about 1 pound), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Vanilla ice cream (optional for serving)
- Caramel sauce (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until dry but not browned. Let cool.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat melt butter. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
- Add diced apples and cook for about 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat.
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl whisk eggs and egg yolks. Add milk, vanilla extract, and salt and whisk until combined.
- Add dried bread cubes and gently press them into the custard mixture.
- Stir in the cooked apple mixture and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Pour any remaining custard over the top.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use brioche or challah bread for the richest flavor and texture.
- Add 1/2 cup raisins for an apple raisin variation.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle caramel sauce before or after baking for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
