Imagine the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this Apple Pie Bread Pudding.
It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that wraps you in a cozy embrace with every bite.
As the bread cubes soak up the creamy mixture and the apples soften to perfection, this dish transforms into a delightful treat.
Let’s bring this delicious creation to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread cubes, preferably day-old
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 3 Large eggs
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 2 cups Apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 cup Raisins (optional)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Apple Pie Bread Pudding, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Spend a few minutes reading the recipe and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Initial Prep (10 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the baking dish by greasing it.
- Peel and dice the apples.
- Cut the bread into cubes if not already done.
- Mixing Ingredients (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Soaking Bread (10 minutes)
- Add the bread cubes to the milk mixture, making sure they’re fully submerged, and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- Cooking Apples (5 minutes)
- While the bread is soaking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples and brown sugar, cooking until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combining Mixtures (5 minutes)
- Combine the apple mixture and raisins (if using) with the soaked bread cubes, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Baking (45 minutes)
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Resting (15 minutes)
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and allow it to 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).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Add the bread cubes to the milk mixture, ensuring they’re fully submerged, and let them soak for 10 minutes.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples and brown sugar, cooking until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
Combine the apple mixture and raisins with the soaked bread cubes, mixing gently to incorporate.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
Remove from the oven and allow the bread pudding to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the warm flavors with a creamy, cool contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy topping that complements the dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a sweet, rich addition that pairs well with the apple flavors.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh berries to introduce a pop of color and a hint of tartness.
Storage
To store Apple Pie Bread Pudding, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Apple Pie Bread Pudding, cool it completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Store it in an airtight container.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Apple Pie Bread Pudding, use an oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Make sure it doesn’t dry out by covering with foil to retain moisture.
Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the rich texture of bread pudding.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
The recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it to your taste, whether by incorporating different types of bread or adding a crunchy topping.
Serving it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances its indulgence.
This dessert is sure to become a favorite, offering a warm and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?
You can definitely use gluten-free bread for this recipe. Make certain it’s slightly stale for best absorption. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will meld beautifully. Adjust soaking time if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
To veganize, substitute almond milk for whole milk, coconut cream for heavy cream, and flax eggs for eggs. Use plant-based butter, swap sugar for a vegan alternative, and guarantee your bread is vegan-friendly. Enjoy your creation!
What Type of Apples Work Best for This Pudding?
You’ll want to use tart, firm apples like Granny Smith for this pudding. Their acidity balances the sweetness, while their texture holds up during baking, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and a delightful contrast in each bite.
Can I Prepare the Pudding Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding mixture ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer, more harmonious dessert when baked.
Is There a Substitute for Heavy Cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of half-and-half for a lighter texture. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Each alternative infuses its unique flavor, enhancing the dish’s artistry.
Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes preferably day-old
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups apples peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the bread cubes to the milk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged, and let them soak for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples and brown sugar, cooking until the apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the apple mixture and raisins with the soaked bread cubes, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread pudding to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
