There’s something irresistibly comforting about bread pudding, especially when it’s infused with the natural sweetness and warmth of fresh apples. This classic dessert takes simple ingredients like day-old bread, milk, eggs, and apples, transforming them into a luscious, custardy treat perfect for any time of the year.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or craving a cozy homemade dessert, this bread pudding with apples recipe is a delightful choice. The tender cubes of bread soak up the spiced custard, while the apples add a juicy, slightly tart contrast that balances the richness beautifully.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but bread pudding also makes excellent use of leftover bread, reducing waste and turning it into something truly special. You’ll love how this recipe combines classic flavors with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, making each bite a nostalgic hug in dessert form.
Ready to dive into a warm, fragrant dish that feels like a cozy kitchen hug? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread pudding with apples is a fantastic dessert that brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one dish. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:
- Easy to make: Uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep time.
- Great for leftovers: Perfect for using up stale bread and ripe apples.
- Perfect balance: The natural sweetness of apples complements the creamy custard and soft bread.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or drizzle with caramel for extra indulgence.
- Ideal for all occasions: Whether a casual family dessert or a festive treat, it suits every event.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the bread and apples: Cube the day-old bread into 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.
- Mix the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine apples and bread: Add the diced apples to the bread cubes. If using, toss in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Pour custard over bread mixture: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, gently pressing down to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soak thoroughly.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while the pudding soaks.
- Transfer to baking dish: Lightly grease the 9×13 inch baking dish with some butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the soaked bread mixture evenly into the dish.
- Drizzle with melted butter: Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding to create a golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. You can test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an extra creamy texture, swap half the milk with heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
Variation: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a boozy twist that enhances the dessert’s depth of flavor.
Tip: Try topping with a caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to add an extra touch of sweetness.
You can also experiment with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries instead of apples for seasonal twists. For a vegan-friendly option, check out these plant-based breakfast recipes that offer similarly comforting flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 8g |
Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 115mg |
Sodium | 210mg |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 25g |
Serving Suggestions
Bread pudding with apples is best enjoyed warm. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creaminess and richness.
For a festive touch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. You can also pair it with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a rich dessert wine for a complete indulgent experience.
If you’re interested in exploring more comforting desserts and cozy meals, don’t miss our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or try the Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts for chocolate lovers.
Conclusion
This bread pudding with apples recipe is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both familiar and indulgent, perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in.
The tender bread soaked in a spiced custard, combined with juicy apples, makes it an irresistible treat that’s easy to customize and enjoy all year round.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe’s straightforward steps and flexible nature make it a fantastic choice to add to your repertoire. Don’t forget to experiment with different add-ins and toppings to make it uniquely yours.
For more delicious recipes to complement your cooking adventures, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or explore fresh, vibrant dishes like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bread Pudding with Apples
Description: A warm and comforting bread pudding made with fresh apples and cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy dessert or breakfast treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
- Add bread cubes, apples, and raisins to the mixture; stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes.
- Pour into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 52 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bread Pudding with Apples”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A warm and comforting bread pudding made with fresh apples and cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy dessert or breakfast treat.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“6 cups cubed day-old bread”, “2 medium apples, peeled and diced”, “3 large eggs”, “2 cups whole milk”, “1/2 cup granulated sugar”, “1/4 cup brown sugar”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted”, “1/2 cup raisins (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add bread cubes, apples, and raisins to the mixture; stir gently to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 45 minutes or until golden and set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool slightly before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “52 g”}}