Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you up in cozy warmth and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, then Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding is exactly what you need. This classic dessert combines soft, custardy bread with tender baked apples and a fragrant cinnamon spice, creating a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. Drizzled with rich caramel sauce, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and spiced, making it an absolute favorite for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply a sweet ending to your everyday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to bring out the best in the Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding. Each element plays a role: the brioche or challah bread provides a rich and tender base, the apples add freshness and natural sweetness, and the warming spices create that signature cozy flavor.
- Brioche or Challah (6 cups, cubed): Use day-old bread to soak up every bit of custard without getting mushy.
- Apples (2, peeled and diced): Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith work beautifully to contrast with the sweetness.
- Eggs (3): Bind the custard and give the pudding its soft, custardy texture.
- Milk (1 ½ cups): Adds creaminess while keeping the custard light.
- Cream (½ cup): Boosts richness, making every bite luxuriously smooth.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the dish just right, balanced by the natural tartness of the apples.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses that signature warm spice that defines this dessert.
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds an extra layer of warm, nutty flavor without overpowering.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and brings a lovely aromatic note.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. This moderate temperature allows the pudding to bake evenly, achieving that perfect golden top while setting the custard inside just right. Make sure your baking dish is ready, ideally a ceramic or glass 8×8-inch pan, to help distribute the heat evenly.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This smooth custard mixture is the magic that will soak the bread cubes, creating that luscious, creamy texture that defines Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding.
Step 3: Layer Bread and Apples
Now, to build your pudding, layer half of the cubed brioche or challah evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle half of the diced apples over the bread, then repeat with the remaining bread cubes and apples. This ensures every bite sings with the perfect balance of bread and fruit.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the layered bread and apples, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb all that flavorful liquid. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking to maximize the custard soak, making the pudding wonderfully soft and custardy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden-brown crust and a set center — it should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. Once baked, pull it out and let it cool just a bit before serving.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Finish your Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding by drizzling warm caramel sauce on top. This sweet, buttery drizzle not only elevates the flavors but also adds a glossy, irresistible appearance that beckons you to dig in.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or a few fresh apple slices make fabulous garnishes to add crunch and visual appeal. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream offes a cool contrast to the warm pudding that guests adore.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. For a more festive meal, serve alongside vanilla custard or a simple cheese platter to balance sweetness with savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, bake individual portions in ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. These single servings are perfect for parties and elevate the rustic dessert into something a little more special and Instagram-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this cozy dessert even after the initial baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze the pudding either unbaked (after assembling) or fully baked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in a 325° Fahrenheit oven for 20 minutes. Adding a quick drizzle of caramel sauce after reheating brings back all that fresh-baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are preferred for their buttery richness, you can use French bread or even croissants. Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it can absorb the custard without falling apart.
Is it possible to make this pudding vegan?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting plant-based milk and cream alternatives and using an egg replacer like flax eggs. Though the texture will be slightly different, the warm apple and cinnamon flavors won’t be compromised.
Can I prepare the pudding the night before?
Yes! Assemble the pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for a deeply soaked, more flavorful dessert that’s perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet custard and caramel, but feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
The top should turn golden brown and the custard set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a little moist custard clinging to it.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding is like a warm, delicious invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or treating yourself on a chilly evening, it’s a comforting dessert that feels like a personal hug in every bite. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for warmth and indulgence.
