This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a warm, cozy treat. With soft bread pieces mixed with sweet apples and a rich caramel sauce, it’s perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to throw together. Just bake, drizzle with caramel, and enjoy. It’s like apple pie and bread pudding had a delicious baby! 🍏🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Day-old bread is best here! I use French bread or challah for their texture. If you don’t have these, try brioche or even stale bagels, which can work surprisingly well!
Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith complement the sweetness. If you’re not a fan of tart apples, consider Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different flavor balance.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans add a nice crunch, but feel free to swap them out for almonds or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.
Cream: Using whole milk and heavy cream gives a rich custard texture. If you want to lighten it a bit, you can use half-and-half instead of cream, or even almond milk for a dairy-free version!
How to Make the Custard Perfectly Smooth?
Making the custard is a crucial step that ensures your bread pudding is creamy and delicious. Here are some simple tips:
- Whisk the eggs and sugars together well first to incorporate air and prevent clumps.
- Add the milk and cream gradually while continuing to whisk. This bit-by-bit method keeps the mixture smooth.
- When adding spices, mix them in well to avoid any clumps in your caramel apple bread pudding.
Allowing the bread to soak in the custard for 15-20 minutes helps it absorb flavor and moisture. Don’t rush this step!
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as French bread or challah)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably tart variety like Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, for salted caramel)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Caramel Apple Bread Pudding takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45-55 minutes to bake. Plus, while it cooks, you can whip up a quick caramel sauce. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for this mouthwatering dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size casserole dish. This will help prevent sticking!
2. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the cubed bread, diced apples, and chopped walnuts or pecans until everything is evenly mixed. This step is where the deliciousness begins!
3. Whisk Together the Custard:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Soak:
Pour the custard mixture over the bread, apples, and nuts. Gently stir everything to coat all the bread pieces well. Now, let it soak for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up that delicious custard goodness.
5. Bake the Bread Pudding:
After soaking, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the pudding is set and the top looks golden brown and inviting!
6. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the bread pudding is baking, grab a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns into a lovely amber liquid. Be careful—it can burn quickly!
7. Add Butter:
Once the sugar is melted, add the butter pieces and stir until everything is combined and smooth.
8. Mix in Heavy Cream:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble—don’t worry! Just keep stirring until it’s fully combined. If you like, stir in salt for a salted caramel touch, and take it off the heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your bread pudding is baked and has slightly cooled, slice it up and drizzle warm caramel sauce over each serving. Your cozy dessert is ready to be enjoyed—dig in!
This delightful dish combines tender bread, tart apples, and a cinnamon-spiced custard, all finished off with a rich caramel sauce. It’s perfect for sharing on a chilly night or celebrating any special occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead of Day-Old Bread?
While day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy, you can use fresh bread. If you do, try to dry it out slightly by toasting the cubes in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes before using.
Can I Substitute the Apples?
Absolutely! Although tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal, you can use any type of apple you enjoy. Sweet apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji will also work well, just keep in mind that they may make the pudding sweeter.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the bread pudding the night before and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through. The caramel sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge—just warm it up before serving!