Last Updated on September 10, 2023

Tips

1. Use day-old bread for better absorption of the custard mixture.
2. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
3. If you prefer a more gooey bread pudding, reduce the baking time slightly.
4. If the top starts to brown too quickly while baking, cover it with aluminum foil.
5. For a balanced flavor, you could mix tart and sweet apples.

The Ingredients

Eggs

The backbone of any bread pudding, eggs help bind everything together while adding a touch of richness.

Whole Milk

Whole milk provides a creamy base that complements the robust flavors of apple and spices.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that screams autumn.

Maple Syrup

A dash of maple syrup elevates the dish, giving it a subtle woodsy flavor.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

These quintessential fall spices add warmth and depth.

Apples

Opt for fresh, crisp apples—they add texture and a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients.

Day-Old Bread

Slightly stale bread works best for absorbing the delicious custard mixture.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 8- or 9-inch square or round baking dish

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding

Get Your Oven Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, seize this moment to grease your 8- or 9-inch square or round baking dish. This ensures that your pudding will slide right out, no sticking or fuss!

Prepare the Fruits and Bread

Core and cube your apples into bite-sized pieces that will meld seamlessly into the bread pudding. Take your day-old bread and cut it into roughly equal cubes. These are going to soak up all the liquid goodness, so you want to give them plenty of surface area.

Whip Up the Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your eggs, whole milk, both the brown and granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined.

Blend in the Bread and Apples

Now that your custard is ready, fold in the bread cubes. Make sure each piece gets well coated. Add the apple cubes to the mix and stir everything together. The goal here is to get every piece of bread moistened and every apple cube mingled in with the spices and custard.

Time to Bake

Pour the pudding mixture into your greased baking dish, leveling it out with a spoon or spatula so it bakes evenly. Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 45-50 minutes. The smell will be tantalizing, but resist the urge to peek too often!

Monitor the Browning

Keep an eye on the pudding as it bakes. If you notice the top getting too brown too fast, place a piece of aluminum foil over it. This will slow down the browning while allowing the inside to continue cooking.

Test for Doneness

You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and beautifully golden brown. For extra assurance, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go.

Final Touches

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a bit. The aroma will be tempting, but it’s worth the wait

Serving Suggestions

• For dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• For breakfast: Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts.

Substitutions

• For a dairy-free option, replace whole milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk of your choice.
• If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use fresh bread for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can, but day-old bread is better as it absorbs the liquid mixture more effectively, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pudding.

Q: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

A: Absolutely! Try using pears, peaches, or even mixed berries for a unique twist on this classic bread pudding.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply replace the regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread cubes. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still taste amazing.

Q: Can I freeze the apple bread pudding?

A: You sure can! Allow the pudding to cool completely, then wrap

it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Q: How long does this bread pudding last in the refrigerator?

A: Apple bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Print Recipe

Apple Bread Pudding

Savor the flavors of autumn with this easy-to-follow Apple Bread Pudding recipe. Perfect as a breakfast or dessert, it's a fall must-try that's both versatile and delicious!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Pudding

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 medium apples cored and cubed
• 6 cups day-old bread cubes like sourdough or challah

Optional Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8- or 9-inch square or round baking dish and set it aside.
• Core and cube the apples. Cut your day-old bread into even cubes.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined.
• Add the bread cubes and cubed apples to the wet mixture. Stir everything together until the bread is fully moistened.
• Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil.
  
• The pudding is ready when it's set and golden brown on top. You can use a toothpick to check: if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your pudding is done.
  
• Let the pudding cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm. Add toppings of your choice, like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.