Apple Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe apples with the rich, custardy texture of bread pudding. This delightful treat is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or simply when you’re in the mood for a cozy dessert. With its aromatic spices and buttery crust, apple bread pudding is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This apple bread pudding recipe brings together the lush flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the juicy sweetness of apples, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also utilizes leftover bread, making it an excellent choice for reducing food waste. It fits beautifully into a cozy, home-cooked lifestyle while being adaptable to various dietary preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this recipe is sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Bread: Use stale bread or a rich brioche or challah for a more decadent pudding. If your bread is fresh, you can dry it out slightly in the oven.
- Apple Selection: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully together.
- Soaking Time: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes. This ensures every piece is infused with flavor and moisture.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with spices—try a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve your bread pudding warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Fresh Bread: Avoid using fresh bread without drying it out; it may result in a soggy pudding. Stale bread is key for the perfect texture.
- Skipping the Soak: Don’t rush the soaking process. Insufficient soaking can lead to uneven textures and dry spots in your pudding.
- Underseasoning: Make sure to taste your custard mixture before pouring it over the bread. Adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your pudding while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry dessert; it should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the custard mixture and cut the bread a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply combine them and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal preppers or busy cooks looking to save time.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast.
- Alternative Milks: For a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk.
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the custard.
How to Serve
Serve your apple bread pudding warm, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Presentation can be enhanced with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and a few apple slices for garnish.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this warm dessert with a cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine, like a late harvest Riesling. For a cozy evening, serve it with a rich cup of coffee or a creamy latte. Complementary side dishes might include a simple green salad to balance the sweetness or a cheese platter for a more savory contrast.
How to Store
Store leftover apple bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, either warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions until warm.
Equipment Needed
- A large mixing bowl for the custard mixture.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish for the pudding.
- A whisk for mixing.
- A knife or bread knife for cutting the bread.
- Optional: A grater for fresh nutmeg, if desired.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) and use plant-based milk. For a nut-free option, avoid nuts entirely and use sun butter in place of any nut butters. Dairy-free butter can replace regular butter for additional dietary needs.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, use fresh, locally sourced apples for peak flavor. During winter months, you might try dried fruits like apricots or figs instead of fresh apples, and add a sprinkle of maple syrup for sweetness.
Cost Breakdown
The estimated cost for making this apple bread pudding is around $10 for the entire dish, serving about 8 people. This breaks down to approximately $1.25 per serving. To save costs, look for day-old bread at your local bakery or use leftover bread from your pantry.
Kitchen Hacks
- Speed Up Slicing: Use a serrated knife to slice through bread easily without crushing it.
- Easier Egg Separation: Use a simple water method to separate eggs by cracking them and letting the whites fall into a bowl of water.
- Quick Apple Peeling: Use an apple peeler for speed or microwave the apples for 30 seconds to soften the skin before peeling.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, feel free to experiment with any bread you have on hand, like sourdough or multi-grain, keeping in mind that the texture may vary.
How long does it take to bake? Bake for about 45-55 minutes at 350°F, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the custard and bread a day in advance. Just combine and bake when ready to serve.
Apple Bread Pudding
Apple Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe apples with the rich, custardy texture of bread pudding.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed
- 4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cubed bread to the custard mixture and gently fold until all the bread is coated. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 114mgSodium 321mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 2gSugar 36gProtein 8g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This apple bread pudding recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall while making use of leftover ingredients. It’s simple to prepare and offers a warm, nostalgic taste that brings everyone together. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this recipe is bound to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a slice of pure comfort!