Apple Pie Bread Pudding
If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding is just the ticket. It combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the delightful texture of bread pudding, creating a dish that’s perfect for cozy family gatherings or a simple weeknight treat. Every bite is a delicious reminder of home, making it one of my all-time favorite recipes to share.
This dessert is not just about flavor; it’s also incredibly easy to make! With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself after a long day, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding will surely bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting flavors: The combination of warm apples and cinnamon will make your heart feel at home.
- Easy preparation: With just a few steps, you can create an impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love diving into this sweet and satisfying treat.
- Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance, making it perfect for gatherings or busy nights.
- Deliciously versatile: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or as a breakfast treat – it’s good any time of day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple and wholesome ingredients to create your Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Each one plays an essential role in bringing this delightful dessert to life.
- 12 thick-cut slices of brioche bread or 12 brioche rolls, preferably dried out overnight
- Optional: turbinado sugar, for topping
- 1 3/4 lb apples of choice (~5 apples; I used a mixture of Gala and Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp salted butter
- 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
- 4 eggs, at room temp
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Different fruits: Swap out apples for pears or even berries to mix things up!
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavor profiles.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or coconut cream instead of dairy products for a lighter version.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350F. This ensures that when you’re ready to bake, your oven is hot enough to give your bread pudding that perfect golden top.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease a 9” round (or an 8” or 9” square) baking pan with cooking spray. Line it with parchment paper covering the bottom and sides. This step helps prevent sticking, making it easier to serve later!
Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and apple pie spice, stirring well before adding the brown sugar. Once combined, toss in your diced apples and water. Cover and cook until the apples soften (about 10–15 minutes). Straining out excess juices gives you that concentrated apple flavor to drizzle on top later.
Step 4: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In another saucepan over medium-low heat, combine all custard ingredients except for eggs. Whisk until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, then add eggs one at a time—this ensures they blend well without scrambling!
Step 5: Cube Your Bread
Cut the brioche bread into roughly one-inch cubes. This size helps them soak up all that delicious custard while still holding their shape during baking.
Step 6: Layer It Up
In your prepared pan, layer one-third of the bread cubes at the bottom—press down gently! Spread about one-third of your apple filling over this layer, then repeat until everything is layered beautifully.
Step 7: Pour on the Custard
Pour your custard mixture over the layered bread and apples. Press down gently on the bread to ensure every piece gets soaked—no dry spots here!
Step 8: Bake It Perfectly
Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top if desired for added crunch. Bake for about 35–40 minutes until golden brown but slightly wobbly when shaken—it should be set but not too firm!
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Once baked, let it rest for about ten minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and those saved apple juices drizzled on top—you’ll love how they complement each other!
Step 10: Enjoy!
Take a moment to savor each bite! The combination of soft brioche, warm apple filling, and creamy custard makes this dish truly special. Enjoy every delicious mouthful!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Creating the perfect Apple Pie Bread Pudding is simple with a few expert tips to guide you!
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Use stale bread: Stale brioche absorbs more custard, resulting in a richer and creamier pudding. If your bread is fresh, leave it out overnight or toast it lightly before using.
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Mix up the apples: Combining different apple varieties not only adds depth of flavor but also gives your filling a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
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Don’t rush the custard: Whisking your eggs into the warm custard mixture slowly allows for better incorporation and prevents scrambling. This results in a silky-smooth texture.
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Let it rest: Allowing the bread pudding to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and complexity in flavor.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Serving your Apple Pie Bread Pudding can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your presentation.
Garnishes
- Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lightness that beautifully complements the richness of the pudding.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each serving enhances the dessert’s sweetness while adding an irresistible richness.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft pudding.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the bread pudding, providing a bright and fruity contrast.
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm pudding, creating an irresistible combination that everyone loves.
- Cinnamon sugar donuts: These fluffy treats add a delightful twist and are perfect for those who want something sweet on the side.
- Coffee or chai tea: Pairing this dessert with a warm beverage like coffee or spiced chai tea creates a cozy atmosphere that enhances the flavors of your dish.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious Apple Pie Bread Pudding! Enjoy every comforting bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and store it for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the bread pudding completely and cut it into portions.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- For refrigerated bread pudding, preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and bake covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- For frozen portions, let thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above or microwave in short intervals until warm.
FAQs
Do you have questions? Here are some common ones regarding Apple Pie Bread Pudding that might help!
Can I use a different type of bread for Apple Pie Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! While brioche adds a rich flavor and texture, you can substitute challah or even day-old french bread. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
What makes this recipe special compared to other bread puddings?
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding stands out due to its homemade apple pie filling that infuses each bite with warm spices and sweetness. The combination of creamy custard and soft brioche creates a comforting dessert experience that’s both classic and innovative.
Can I prepare Apple Pie Bread Pudding in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the pudding ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator overnight, and bake it fresh before serving. This makes it an excellent option for gatherings or special occasions.
How should I serve Apple Pie Bread Pudding?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with the reserved apple juices. It’s a delightful way to elevate this cozy dessert!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired by this Apple Pie Bread Pudding recipe! It’s such a warm and comforting dessert that brings back fond memories of family gatherings. Enjoy making it for yourself or loved ones; I’m sure you’ll be delighted by every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Apple Pie Bread Pudding, a delightful fusion of classic apple pie flavors and the rich texture of bread pudding. This irresistible dessert combines spiced apples, creamy custard, and soft brioche bread to create a warm treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this easy recipe will bring smiles all around. With its make-ahead convenience and family-friendly appeal, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 12 thick-cut slices of brioche bread, preferably dried out overnight
- 1 3/4 lb apples (about 5), peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: turbinado sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a baking pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, add flour and apple pie spice, then stir in brown sugar. Add diced apples and water; cook until softened (10–15 minutes).
- In another saucepan, combine custard ingredients (except eggs) over medium-low heat until smooth. Gradually whisk in eggs.
- Cut brioche into one-inch cubes and layer one-third in the prepared pan. Add one-third of the apple filling and repeat layers.
- Pour the custard mixture over the layers, pressing down gently to ensure soaking.
- Bake for about 35–40 minutes until golden brown but slightly wobbly when shaken.
- Let cool for ten minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
