Picture the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as a delightful Apple Bread Pudding bakes to golden perfection.
This simple yet indulgent dessert is a favorite for its easy preparation and cozy appeal.
As the bread soaks up the luscious mixture of milk, cream, and spices, it transforms into a warm, inviting treat.
Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every comforting bite together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 saucepan
- 1 spoon for stirring
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread, preferably day-old
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for greasing
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Apple Bread Pudding, you can follow this timeline:
1. Reading the Recipe: Allocate about 5 minutes to read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
2. Prepping Ingredients (15 minutes):
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Cube the bread and chop the apples.
- If using, measure out the raisins and walnuts.
3. Preheating the Oven (begins at minute 5):
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. Mixing Ingredients (10 minutes):
- Grease the baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread and apples to the egg mixture and stir until coated.
- Stir in raisins and walnuts, if using.
5. Letting the Bread Soak (10 minutes):
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. Baking (45 minutes):
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7. Resting (15 minutes):
– Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease the baking dish with butter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the cubed bread and chopped apples to the egg mixture and gently stir until the bread is well coated.
If using, stir in the raisins and walnuts.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce to add a rich, sweet flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for a light and airy finishing touch.
- Fresh Berries: Add fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and tartness.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
Storage
Store Apple Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing
To freeze apple bread pudding, first allow it to cool completely.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat apple bread pudding, cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Apple Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines comforting flavors with a simple preparation process.
With its rich blend of apples, cinnamon, and creamy custard, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist with extra ingredients like nuts or raisins, this dish is versatile and easy to customize.
Serve it warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, for an indulgent treat that will leave your guests craving more.
Try experimenting with different types of bread to find your favorite texture and flavor combination.
Enjoy creating and savoring this delicious dessert in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for Apple Bread Pudding?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free bread for apple bread pudding. Make certain the bread is day-old to absorb moisture efficiently. Choose a high-quality gluten-free variety for best results. Adjust liquid ratios if needed to achieve desired texture.
How Do I Prevent the Pudding From Becoming Soggy?
Guarantee ideal texture by reducing liquid by 1/4 cup and toasting bread cubes to golden brown. Incorporate apples sparingly and bake until a knife inserted emerges clean. Present with a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance.
What Type of Apples Work Best for This Recipe?
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance. They hold their shape during baking, preventing a mushy pudding. Chop uniformly for consistent cooking. Avoid overly sweet varieties to maintain desired sweetness.
Can I Make Apple Bread Pudding in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Allow it to reach room temperature before baking. This enhances flavor infusion, resulting in a refined, aromatic dessert.
Is There a Dairy-Free Version of This Recipe?
You can substitute milk and heavy cream with almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. Guarantee precise measurements for a smooth, creamy texture. Enjoy your artistic creation with flair!
Apple Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 spoon for stirring
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 6 cup bread preferably day-old, cubed
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the baking dish with butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the cubed bread and chopped apples to the egg mixture and gently stir until the bread is well coated.
- If using, stir in the raisins and walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the liquid.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
