If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dessert to warm your heart and delight your taste buds, the Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe is an absolute showstopper. Imagine tender cubes of brioche soaked in a rich custard infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, layered with juicy, sweet-tart apples, then baked to golden perfection. The crowning glory is a luscious caramel sauce drizzled over each serving, creating a comforting blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in something truly delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the soft, buttery brioche that absorbs the custard so beautifully, to the spices that add depth, and the fresh apples that bring a pop of brightness and texture. Together, they create a harmony that makes this dessert unforgettable.
- Brioche or challah bread (day-old): Day-old bread soaks up the custard perfectly without becoming too mushy.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: Create a creamy, luscious custard that envelops the bread.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Offer sweetness with a touch of caramel complexity from the brown sugar.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic backdrop to the custard.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential warming spices that pair perfectly with apples.
- Various apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): A mix of tart and sweet apples provides balance and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Used in the caramel sauce for richness and smoothness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously so the pudding doesn’t stick, helping with easy serving later on.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk this mixture until everything is smoothly blended—this custard will soak into the bread and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes
Add your bread cubes to the custard and gently toss to ensure each piece is well coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time is key to allowing every cube to absorb the perfect amount of custard without becoming soggy.
Step 4: Prepare the Apples
While the bread soaks, toss the chopped apples with a little brown sugar and cinnamon. This pre-caramelizes the fruit slightly and enhances their natural sweetness, preparing them for baking.
Step 5: Layer the Bread and Apples
In your prepared dish, layer half of the soaked bread cubes, then spread half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and apples. This layering creates delightful pockets of apples throughout the pudding.
Step 6: Add Remaining Custard and Bake
Pour any leftover custard evenly over the layered bread and apples. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the pudding to cook through gently. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is deliciously golden and the custard is set.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the pudding is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves completely. Add the cream and salt, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until thick and glossy—the perfect silky sauce to drizzle.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the custard settle. Finally, drizzle your homemade caramel sauce generously over the top before serving.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream over your bread pudding. These garnishes add contrasting textures and temperatures that make each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Though this bread pudding is often enjoyed as a dessert on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of hot coffee or spiced chai to complement the warm flavors. For a brunch twist, serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the pudding in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or as a shareable dish at a family gathering. Another charming idea is layering warmed pudding in clear glasses with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, turning it into a lovely parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the caramel sauce separate if possible, and drizzle it over just before enjoying to preserve its silky texture.
Freezing
This pudding freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. For a crispier top, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Add fresh caramel drizzle after warming for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than brioche or challah?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah give the richest texture due to their buttery nature, you can use other sturdy breads like French bread or sourdough. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What types of apples work best in this recipe?
Using a mix like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness creates a balanced flavor profile. You can also experiment with other firm apples that hold their shape well during baking.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it tightly, and bake it fresh the next day. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy holidays or dinner parties.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this bread pudding?
You can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the caramel sauce. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderful and comforting.
How do I make the caramel sauce less sweet?
To dial down the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly or increase the pinch of salt in the caramel sauce. Balancing the sweetness with a touch more salt enhances the flavor complexity beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the tips and steps for a truly mouthwatering Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe, there is simply no reason to wait to make it. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual weekend dessert, this warm, comforting dish will quickly become a beloved favorite. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve every delicious bite!
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Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm, fruity treat. It combines soft, custard-soaked bread cubes with a mix of tart and sweet apples, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rich caramel brings a delightful warmth and sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 3 medium apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
Apple Mixture
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Bread Cubes: Add the cubed bread into the custard mixture and gently toss to coat all pieces thoroughly. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard, ensuring a moist pudding.
- Prepare Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to coat them evenly and enhance their flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Layer half of the soaked bread cubes into the prepared baking dish, then spread half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes and apples.
- Add Remaining Custard: Pour any leftover custard evenly over the top of the assembled bread and apples to ensure the pudding is fully soaked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to set the pudding gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the custard is fully set.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the bread pudding bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until fully dissolved and combined.
- Simmer Caramel: Add heavy cream and salt to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Cool Bread Pudding: Remove the baked bread pudding from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. This helps the pudding set further for easier serving.
- Serve with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the bread pudding just before serving to add a rich, sweet finish.
Notes
- Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard without becoming too mushy.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- Letting the bread soak in the custard for 15 minutes ensures a moist and tender pudding.
- Covering the dish during the initial baking prevents the pudding from drying out.
- The caramel sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- This dessert can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
