Caramelized Apple Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This warm, spiced treat combines soft custard-soaked brioche with caramelized apples, creating a rich and cozy bake perfect for any season. With its golden top and tender center, it’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your guests come back for seconds.
Traditionally, bread pudding was a way to use up stale bread, transforming it into a delicious, hearty dessert. Today, it’s beloved for its versatility and endless flavor twists. Adding caramelized apples not only brings a burst of natural sweetness but also elevates this classic into an elegant, memorable dish.
Whether served as a holiday dessert, a Sunday treat, or a warm breakfast indulgence, this recipe always delivers. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent finish that feels both nostalgic and new.
Recipe Yield: 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
4 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cubed
2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup raisins (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the bread:
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the apples:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook for 5 minutes until apples soften and caramelize slightly.
3. Mix custard:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine:
Spread cooked apples evenly over the bread in the baking dish. Add raisins if using. Pour custard mixture over the top, pressing bread lightly to soak. Let sit 15 minutes.
5. Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and custard is set.
6. Finish and serve:
Allow pudding to cool for 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving warm.
HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE
- Choose the right bread: Brioche or challah works best since they’re rich and absorb custard beautifully without turning mushy.
- Caramelize the apples: Cooking apples with butter and spices before baking enhances flavor and prevents them from staying too firm.
- Rest before baking: Allowing the bread to soak ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.
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