Apple Pie Bread Pudding

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is one of those recipes that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. It’s a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding, combining the comforting flavors of apple pie with rich, custardy bread. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special that everyone will want seconds of. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or even for a quiet night in when you want to treat yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easily customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this sweet treat; it’s hard not to love warm bread pudding!
• Serve warm or cold: Enjoy it straight out of the oven or let it cool for later—either way, it tastes amazing.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Irresistibly delicious: The combination of brioche bread and apple pie filling makes every bite a heavenly experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these easy variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Try different fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or berries based on what’s in season.
• Use different bread: Sourdough or challah can give a unique flavor twist while still being deliciously comforting.
• Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap out apple pie spice for pumpkin spice during fall.

How to Make Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your baking pan ensures that your delicious pudding won’t stick, making cleanup easier later. Lining it with parchment paper adds an extra layer of protection.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and apple pie spice, stirring until well combined. Then stir in the brown sugar until everything melds together beautifully. This step creates that fragrant base for your apple filling!

Step 3: Cook the Apples

Add the diced apples and water to the mixture, stirring well before covering. Let them cook over medium heat until they become soft (about 10–15 minutes). This step allows the apples to release their juices and soften perfectly.

Step 4: Strain the Juices

Once your apples are soft, remove them from heat and strain the juices into a bowl. Save these juices because you’ll drizzle them over your baked bread pudding later for extra flavor!

Step 5: Make the Custard

In another saucepan over medium-low heat, combine all custard ingredients except for eggs. Whisk until everything melts together nicely. When it’s slightly warm, add eggs one at a time while whisking between additions. Remember not to cook any longer; this custard will thicken beautifully as it bakes.

Step 6: Prepare the Bread Cubes

Cut your brioche into 1-inch cubes so they can soak up all that creamy custard goodness! This is where all that rich flavor comes from.

Step 7: Layer Everything Together

Begin layering by placing one-third of bread cubes at the bottom of your prepared pan. Press down gently so they stay compact. Spread one-third of your apple filling on top before adding another layer of bread cubes followed by more filling. Repeat this process until you finish with bread cubes topped with remaining apples.

Step 8: Pour Over Custard

Gently pour the custard mixture over all layers in your pan, ensuring every piece is soaked through—no dry bits allowed! If you’d like some extra crunch, sprinkle turbinado sugar on top.

Step 9: Bake

Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–40 minutes until golden brown on top but still slightly jiggly when shaken. A little wobble means it’s perfectly done!

Step 10: Cool & Serve

Let your creation stand for about ten minutes after taking it out from the oven before removing from pan. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream along with those lovely reserved juices.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Savor each bite of this Apple Pie Bread Pudding as you delight in its comforting flavors! Whether it’s after dinner or as an afternoon snack, you’re going to love every moment spent enjoying this dish!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Making Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a delightful journey, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your dessert to perfection!

• Choose the right bread: Opt for brioche or challah as they soak up the custard beautifully and add richness to the pudding. Dried-out bread also helps it hold its shape and prevents sogginess.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the assembled bread pudding to rest for at least 10 minutes before baking helps the custard soak into the bread fully, resulting in a creamier texture.

• Mix apples for flavor: Using a combination of sweet (like Gala) and tart (like Granny Smith) apples enhances the flavor profile, giving depth and complexity to your dish.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone’s preference for sweetness varies; feel free to reduce or increase the sugar in both the custard and apple filling according to your taste buds!

• Experiment with spices: While apple pie spice is fantastic, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can give your pudding an extra layer of warmth and depth that’s perfect for cozy gatherings.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Serving your Apple Pie Bread Pudding is as enjoyable as making it! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this comforting dessert beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and a creamy contrast that complements the warm pudding perfectly.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Caramel drizzle: A warm caramel sauce drizzled over each serving creates an indulgent touch that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is an absolute classic pairing that melts delightfully into the warm bread pudding, creating a heavenly blend of flavors.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can provide a bright contrast to the richness of the bread pudding and cleanse the palate.
• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet, roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup offer a deliciously sweet side that pairs well with fall flavors found in apple desserts.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving this dessert alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea creates a comforting experience, perfect for cozy gatherings around the table.

Enjoying Apple Pie Bread Pudding with these serving suggestions will surely make your dessert even more delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting dessert or special breakfast any day of the week. You can prepare it in advance and store it so it’s ready whenever you need a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread pudding to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the bread pudding to cool completely.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen bread pudding in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until warmed through (about 1-2 minutes).
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350F for about 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delightful dessert, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Apple Pie Bread Pudding.

Can I use other types of bread for Apple Pie Bread Pudding?

Yes! While brioche provides a rich flavor and texture, you can substitute with challah, French bread, or even stale white bread. Just ensure it’s dried out for optimal absorption of the custard.

How do I know when my Apple Pie Bread Pudding is done?

Your Apple Pie Bread Pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and slightly wobbly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out mostly clean; it will continue to set as it cools.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free bread. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with Apple Pie Bread Pudding?

This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream. You can also drizzle some warm apple pie filling juices over each serving for an extra touch of sweetness!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! The combination of rich custard and spiced apples creates a delicious comfort food that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Enjoy making this Apple Pie Bread Pudding and savor every bite—it’s sure to become a treasured favorite among your family and friends!