Apple Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that embodies the warmth of homemade baking. With its rich custard-soaked bread and tender spiced apples, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between soft, creamy textures and a slightly crisp golden top. Whether served as a cozy weeknight treat or a showstopping holiday dessert, it brings both simplicity and indulgence to the table. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional bourbon deepens the flavor, making every bite more decadent than the last.
Ingredients Overview
The success of Apple Bread Pudding hinges on the quality and choice of ingredients. Using day-old bread is essential to achieve the right texture—soft enough to absorb the custard but sturdy enough to hold its structure. French bread, sourdough, or brioche work exceptionally well, each bringing a unique character to the pudding.
Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, offer the best balance of sweetness and acidity. Their firm texture holds up during baking, preventing the apples from becoming overly mushy. Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs harmoniously with the spices.
For those looking to add a touch of sophistication, bourbon provides a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the warm, spiced notes. While optional, it elevates the overall complexity of the pudding. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the cozy, autumnal essence of the dish, making it truly irresistible.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepping the Bread
Begin by cutting day-old bread into evenly sized cubes. This allows the custard to soak into every piece, ensuring a perfectly moist yet structured pudding. If the bread is too fresh, consider lightly toasting it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out.
Creating the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using) until the mixture is smooth and uniform. The key to a silky custard is thorough whisking—this incorporates air and ensures even distribution of flavors. The cinnamon and nutmeg should be well blended to infuse the custard with a warm, aromatic essence.
Mixing the Apples
Toss the chopped apples in brown sugar and flour (or cornstarch) until evenly coated. The flour acts as a thickening agent, preventing excess liquid from making the pudding too soggy. The sugar caramelizes beautifully during baking, creating a slightly sticky, sweet contrast to the custard-soaked bread.
Baking Tips
Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well coated. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the bread fully absorbs the liquid. Then, evenly distribute the apple mixture on top, pressing gently to integrate it with the bread.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45 minutes. The pudding is done when the top is golden brown, slightly crisp, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Tips
Substitutions:
Use challah or croissants for an extra buttery texture, or swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Time-saving shortcuts:
Prep the apple mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the pudding the night before and bake it fresh the next day.
How to know when the pudding is perfectly baked:
The center should be set but slightly jiggly, with a beautifully crisp golden crust. If unsure, insert a knife—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pairing the right accompaniments with Apple Bread Pudding enhances its flavor profile and presentation. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts into the warm pudding, creating a luxurious contrast of hot and cold. Freshly whipped cream adds lightness, while a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup intensifies the sweetness.
For beverages, coffee or chai tea provides a robust complement to the spiced notes in the pudding. Those looking for an indulgent pairing might enjoy it with a dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a spiced cider. These additions create a well-rounded and satisfying dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing and reheating Apple Bread Pudding correctly ensures that it remains as delicious as when first baked.
For leftovers, store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or place the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
If planning to freeze, wrap the pudding tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, refresh the texture by covering it with foil and warming it in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without eggs or heavy cream?
Yes, you can use a mixture of coconut milk and cornstarch as a dairy-free alternative, or opt for a plant-based custard using flax eggs.
What’s the best way to prepare apples for the pudding?
Peel, core, and chop them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking. Tossing them in sugar and flour helps balance moisture and sweetness.
How long can this be stored in the fridge before serving?
You can keep it refrigerated for up to four days. Reheat before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Apple Bread Pudding is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Its rich, custardy texture, combined with the spiced apples and golden-baked crust, makes it a favorite for all occasions. Whether served fresh out of the oven or enjoyed as a leftover treat, it’s a simple yet impressive dish worth making again and again. Experiment with different breads, spices, and toppings to customize it to your liking. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting, flavor-packed dessert!
Ingredients
For the bread pudding:
2 cups heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
6 slices day-old bread (French, sourdough, or brioche), cut into cubes
For the apples:
3 tart apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8½ x 11-inch baking dish. Scatter the cubed bread evenly inside the dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well-soaked.
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples with brown sugar and flour (or cornstarch). Toss until the apples are well coated. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the soaked bread, ensuring it is spread uniformly.
Transfer to the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
For the bread pudding:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon bourbon optional
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 6 slices day-old bread French, sourdough, or brioche, cut into cubes
For the apples:
- 3 tart apples peeled and chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8½ x 11-inch baking dish. Scatter the cubed bread evenly inside the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this custard mixture over the bread cubes, ensuring they are well-soaked.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples with brown sugar and flour (or cornstarch). Toss until the apples are well coated. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the soaked bread, ensuring it is spread uniformly.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
