This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a cozy dessert, combining soft bread, sweet apples, and rich caramel sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those chilly evenings. Who can resist a good bread pudding? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old French bread or brioche is ideal for a custardy texture. If you don’t have either, use stale bread or even challah. Just avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can get too mushy.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, balancing the sweetness. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter touch. If you prefer pears, they work well too!
Eggs: This recipe uses large eggs for a good custard base. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg or a commercial egg replacer.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. However, this may change the richness slightly, so consider that when swapping.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies or prefer it nut-free, feel free to leave them out.
How Can You Ensure Your Pudding Has the Right Texture?
The key to great bread pudding is all in the soaking process! The bread needs to absorb the custard mixture fully. Here’s how to get it right:
- After pouring the custard over the bread and apples, gently stir to ensure each piece of bread is coated.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to soak up the liquid, making the pudding soft and moist.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer pudding, you can reduce the soaking time to about 10 minutes.
Following these tips will give you a deliciously moist and satisfying Caramel Apple Bread Pudding every time! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoy! 🍏🍮
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old French bread or brioche works well)
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients, then 45-50 minutes to bake the bread pudding. Allow an extra 15-20 minutes for the bread to soak in the custard mixture before baking. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes including prep, soaking, and cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread and Apples:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish well. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes and sliced apples, tossing them gently so they mix evenly.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Combine and Soak:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the mixing bowl. Then, add the melted butter. Gently mix everything together, making sure the bread is fully coated with the custard. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can soak up all that delicious flavor.
4. Add Nuts (Optional):
If you’re using nuts for extra texture and flavor, now is the time to fold them into the mixture. Just gently combine to distribute them evenly.
5. Bake:
Transfer the bread pudding mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the pudding is baking, you can prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Keep stirring constantly until it melts and turns into a rich amber color. Carefully add the butter in pieces, continuing to stir (it will bubble up). Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add salt if you like a salted caramel flavor. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. Serve:
Once the bread pudding is finished baking, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve each warm slice drizzled generously with the caramel sauce. Enjoy this cozy and delicious dessert!
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for gatherings or a comforting treat any time! 🍏🍮
Can I Use Any Type of Bread for This Recipe?
While day-old French bread or brioche is recommended for the best texture, you can also use challah, sourdough, or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Avoid soft white bread, as it can become too mushy.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven—add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes for heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the pudding may be a bit less rich.