This warm and comforting caramel apple bread pudding is the perfect treat! Juicy apples and soft bread blend together, all drenched in a sweet caramel sauce that makes every bite heavenly.
Honestly, I can’t resist it! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top, so it melts and makes the whole thing even more delicious. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: For the best texture, use day-old white bread or brioche. If you can’t find these, challah or even sourdough works well too. Just ensure it’s a bit stale so it absorbs the custard without getting mushy.
Apples: I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but you can try Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. Remember to chop them small so they cook evenly!
Milk & Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich custard. If you want a lighter version, 2% milk can substitute, but avoid skipping the cream entirely for that heavenly richness.
Eggs: These provide structure to your pudding. If you’re out, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg, but it might slightly alter the texture.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is okay in a pinch, but homemade feels special! You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more robust flavor in the sauce.
How Do You Get the Perfect Bread Pudding Texture?
To achieve that fluffy yet custardy texture, follow these helpful steps:
- Allow your bread to sit out and dry for a few hours or overnight; this prevents it from becoming too soggy.
- Make sure to press the bread down into the custard mix gently so every piece soaks up the liquid well. Don’t rush this step!
- After pouring the mixture into your baking dish, give the pudding 15-20 minutes to soak. This is crucial for great texture.
- Baking until golden brown is key! A toothpick should come out mostly clean (a little custard is okay), so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
How to Make Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups bread cubes (day-old white or brioche bread)
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread pudding takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. So, you’ll need a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bread Pudding Base:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Bread and Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the bread cubes and chopped apples gently until they’re well mixed. This helps ensure every bite is full of flavor!
3. Mix the Custard:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Soak the Bread:
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apples, then press the bread down lightly so it fully absorbs the custard. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for fluffy pudding!
5. Bake the Mixture:
Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
6. Make the Caramel Sauce:
While the bread pudding bakes, you can make the caramel sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber color, usually about 5-7 minutes.
7. Add the Butter:
Carefully add the cubed butter and keep stirring until it’s fully melted and combined with the sugar. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble quite a bit!
8. Stir in the Cream:
Slowly pour in the warmed heavy cream while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the caramel is smooth, then remove it from heat and stir in the salt.
9. Assemble and Serve:
When the bread pudding is done baking, let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top. You can serve it warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra indulgence.
Enjoy your delightful Caramel Apple Bread Pudding! It’s a cozy dessert perfect for any gathering or just for you! 🍏✨
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While day-old white bread and brioche are ideal, you can also use challah, sourdough, or even a mix of breads for added flavor and texture. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale to prevent it from getting too soggy!
Can I Prepare This Bread Pudding in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding a day ahead! Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
How Do I Store Leftover Bread Pudding?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Drizzle a little more caramel sauce on top for extra flavor!
Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce Instead?
Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce is a great time-saver! Just warm it slightly before drizzling over the bread pudding for a delicious finishing touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, though, homemade caramel adds a lovely personal touch!
