Scrumptious Apple Bread Pudding Recipe for Dessert Lovers
As we transition into the autumn season, what better way to welcome it than with a warm and comforting Apple Bread Pudding recipe? Bread pudding is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations, and by adding apples to the mix, we have created a delicious twist on a time-honored favorite.
With its creamy center and golden brown crust, this dessert is perfect for any family gathering, potluck or even as a special treat for yourself. The warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen and have your taste buds eagerly anticipating each bite.
This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few simple steps that even beginner bakers can handle. The combination of soft bread cubes soaked in a silky mixture of milk, brown sugar and eggs blends perfectly with fresh Granny Smith apples to create a mouth-watering dessert that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
So why not try something new this season? Follow along with our Apple Bread Pudding recipe for an unexpected twist on the traditional bread pudding that everyone will be raving about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me, then you probably look forward to any opportunity to indulge in a comforting, sweet treat. And for those looking for the ultimate indulgence, you won’t want to miss out on this recipe for apple bread pudding. Trust me, it’s a game changer.
What makes this recipe so special? For one, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering dessert that will impress any guests you might have. Plus, it calls for simple ingredients you likely already have on hand: bread, milk, eggs, sugar, and lots of delicious apples.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the way it combines classic fall flavors to create something truly magical. The cinnamon and nutmeg both perfectly complement the juicy Granny Smith apples, adding a cozy warmth and depth of flavor that simply can’t be beat. And if you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than the aroma of cinnamon-spiced baked goods wafting through your home.
So whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just treat yourself after a long day at work, I can guarantee that this apple bread pudding recipe won’t disappoint. Give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious apple bread pudding:
Bread and Apples
- 1 pound brioche, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- Day-old cinnamon bread can be substituted for some or all of the brioche
Milk Mixture
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Custard Filling
- Milk mixture above (can be prepared separately)
- Raisin bread or nut bread can be used instead of apple bread
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Note: You may adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to your liking.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the Oven to 350°F
Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Cut Bread into Cubes
Begin by cutting the crust off the bread, then cut it into cubes (about 6 cups). If preferred, you can use cinnamon bread or even apple nut bread for an extra apple flavor.
Make Apple Mixture
Peel, core and cut the Granny Smith Apples into small pieces (1/4 inch). You will need about 6 cups of apples. If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, feel free to use any other variety desired. Just make sure they have a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of skim milk, 1 cup of half and half, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, and 1 tsp each of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then stir in the apple pieces.
Combine Bread with Milk Mixture
Add the cut bread cubes to the milk mixture and gently toss to ensure all bread cubes are soaked evenly. Allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Bake Apple Bread Pudding
Next, pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for about an hour, or until edges are crispy and golden brown. Internal temperature should be around 170 degrees F.
Serve Warm with Optional Toppings
After baking allow the pudding to cool for a few minutes before cutting. Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream or caramel sauce if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up with your Apple Bread Pudding Recipe? There are plenty of substitution and variation options available for this delicious dish.
First, let’s look at the bread. While brioche is the recommended bread for this recipe, you can also use day-old croissants or even cinnamon-raisin bread. You might also want to experiment with nut bread or caramel apple cinnamon bread for added nuttiness or sweetness.
Next, consider the apples. Granny Smith apples are recommended here, but feel free to mix things up by using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead. You could also include some peeled and sliced pears for a delightful flavor twist. If you’re feeling extra festive during the holidays, you can even use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples.
If you’re looking to make this a richer dessert, try out a butter pudding recipe or add some dulce de leche or caramel sauce as a topping. Adding raisins to the recipe will give it a sweet twist as well. On the other hand, if you want to make it lighter, simply swap out whole milk for skim or soy milk.
Lastly, pairing this dish with your favorite ice cream is always a great way to elevate it. Classic vanilla ice cream pairs especially well with an easy apple nutmeg and cinnamon bread pudding.
By substituting and varying ingredients in this recipe, there is no limit to how much you can customize it to suit your preferences!
Serving and Pairing
The Apple Bread Pudding is a delightful dish perfect for serving warm and cozy with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Its rich apple cinnamon flavor makes it hearty enough to indulge in as a dessert or even as breakfast. In terms of pairing, this pudding recipe is already a complete dish on its own but if you want to elevate its taste further, pair it with either coffee, tea or milk. A cup of hot coffee will contrast well the cold and creamy ice cream creating a delicious balance in your mouth. Similarly, tea has delicate notes that nicely complement the pudding’s warm and pronounced flavors. Milk also pairs great with this bread pudding recipe providing a more subtle taste contrast that enhances the meal’s sweetness.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Apple bread pudding is a versatile dessert that can easily be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated for later enjoyment. Making this recipe ahead of time will not only save you time, but it will also allow the flavors of the pudding to blend together even more.
To make the pudding ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions and let the pan cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place the baking dish in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have leftover baked pudding, it can also be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat each portion in a microwave-safe dish for 30 seconds on high or until heated through.
For added indulgence, try serving this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream drizzled with caramel sauce or dulce de leche. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the secrets of a perfectly baked apple bread pudding is to add the spices in proportion. The recipe calls for nutmeg and cinnamon, and it is important not to overdo it with these heartwarming spices. Adding too much nutmeg can make the pudding bitter, while an excess amount of cinnamon can overpower the dish’s subtle flavors. Be sure to measure these ingredients well based on the recipe.
Using granny smith apples adds tartness and texture to the pudding. However, do not use apples that are too sour or have a mealy texture as they will not contribute to positive results in your final product. When you are shopping for your ingredients, choose apples that are firm, juicy, and tart.
Custards like bread puddings require low and slow cooking. Be patient with the baking process and avoid rushing it by increasing oven temperature or baking time. Doing so will cause cracks on the surface or will make it soggy. Always check if the bread pudding is cooked through by inserting a toothpick into its center. If it comes out clean, then your pudding is ready.
To create a creamier mixture, choose whole milk instead of skim milk. The additional fat content in whole milk adds richness and depth to the dish that skim milk simply cannot provide. This way, you won’t have to compromise on flavor or texture.
Finally, allow your bread pudding to cool down in its dish before serving. This will give the juices enough time to redistribute inside, making sure each slice has an optimal flavor throughout. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness – this simple dessert can easily be elevated using complementary toppings depending on your preference!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, making apple bread pudding with its aromatic mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla creates an enticing home comfort for family and friends. This sweet treat is perfect for every season, whether it’s a chilly winter or warm summer day. The recipe is easy to follow and offers so many variations that can suit everyone’s preferences. Moreover, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a great choice for meal planning and entertaining.
Overall, apple bread pudding is a versatile dessert that offers numerous possibilities for customization. Whether you’re adding raisin bread or caramelizing the apples, this recipe will not disappoint. I hope you will give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious taste of warm cinnamon apples mixed with the softness of bread pudding. Try pairing with some salted caramel ice cream or homemade vanilla pudding to take it to the next level!
Ingredients
- 4 cinnamon-raisin bread, cubed (slightly stale)
- 1 cup granny smith apple, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup evaporated 2% milk
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In large bowl, toss bread cubes and apples together.
- In separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar and eggs.
- Add evaporated milk, skim milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and whisk again.
- Pour egg/milk mixture over bread cubes and apples.
- Stir well and let stand 5 minutes for bread to absorb liquid.
- Transfer mixture to an 8 x 8"- baking pan coated with non-stick spray, ensuring apples are evenly distributed.
- Bake 50 minutes or until bread is deep golden brown and puffed up.
- A knife inserted in the centre should come out clean.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.