This warm caramel apple bread pudding is pure comfort food! It’s made with soft bread, sweet apples, and topped with a rich caramel sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Let’s be real, who can resist that gooey goodness? I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Brioche or challah is perfect for this recipe because they are soft and absorb the custard beautifully. If you can’t find them, any bread you have on hand will work, but avoid very crusty bread as it won’t soak up as well.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp is another great option for a sweeter taste. You can also experiment with Fuji or Braeburn if you like different flavors.
Sugars: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while brown sugar gives a warm, rich flavor. If you want to cut down on sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but it may change the flavor a bit.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to omit them, or use seeds like pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Soaked Bread Pudding?
The soaking step is vital for the best texture in bread pudding. After mixing the custard, pour it over the bread and apples and gently press down. This helps the bread cubes absorb all the luscious flavors.
- Be patient! Let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit longer can help even more.
- Use stale bread; it absorbs the custard better than fresh bread!
- Check for dryness before baking. If it looks too dry, add a little more milk or cream.
What’s the Best Way to Make Caramel Sauce?
Making caramel sauce can be tricky, but it’s worth it! Start with melted butter and brown sugar to get that rich flavor. When you add cream, do it slowly to avoid splattering, which can be messy!
- Keep stirring the sugar mixture constantly while it simmers to prevent burning.
- After removing it from heat, make sure to mix the cream thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over your bread pudding; it will thicken as it cools!
Enjoy creating this delicious dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 8 cups bread cubes (preferably brioche or challah), day-old or slightly stale
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious treat will take about 30 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. Be sure to set aside a little extra time for soaking the bread so that it absorbs all those wonderful flavors—about 15-20 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes on this recipe from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Pudding Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Bread and Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, throw in the bread cubes and chopped apples. If you’re using nuts like walnuts or pecans, mix them in as well. This will add a delightful crunch to your pudding!
3. Mix the Custard:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture is going to give your pudding that rich and creamy texture!
4. Soak the Bread:
Now, pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples. Gently press down with a spoon or spatula to make sure all the bread gets soaked. Let this sit for about 15-20 minutes. It’s important for the bread to absorb the custard mixture so it turns out perfectly moist.
5. Bake:
Once your bread has absorbed the custard, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until it’s set in the middle and the top is a lovely golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
6. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the bread pudding is baking, you can whip up the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 1-2 minutes, then take it off the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream until it’s smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then stir well to combine.
7. Serve:
Once your bread pudding is done baking, let it cool for just a few minutes. Serve it warm, drizzled generously with the homemade caramel sauce on top. Enjoy this comforting dessert with family and friends—it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your rich, comforting Caramel Apple Bread Pudding — perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread. Just make sure to choose a gluten-free bread that you enjoy, and adjust the baking time slightly if needed, as gluten-free bread may bake faster or slower than regular bread.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to reheat it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Bread Pudding Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding mixture and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge when you put it in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Apples?
If you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to use other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries! Just make sure to adjust the amounts based on the moisture content of the fruit you choose.
