Apple Pie Bread Pudding

 

Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the epitome of comfort food. It combines the timeless flavors of apple pie with the rich, custardy goodness of bread pudding. This dessert is perfect for cool autumn evenings or whenever you’re craving a taste of warm, spiced apples enveloped in a luscious bread pudding. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some helpful tips to create a dessert that’s as comforting as a hug.

 

Ingredients:

For the Bread Pudding:

• 4 cups of day-old bread, cubed (French bread or a hearty white bread works well)
• 3 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Apples

1. Cube the day-old bread and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples, then add them to the bowl with the bread.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture

1. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Bread, Apples, and Custard

1. Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples.
2. Gently toss everything together to ensure the bread and apples are evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

1. Transfer the bread and apple mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Make the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using).
2. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the bread pudding.
3. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the bread pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2. Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

 

Expert Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bread Pudding:

1. Bread Selection: Using slightly stale or day-old bread is ideal as it helps the bread absorb the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy.
2. Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices.
3. Custard Consistency: Ensure that the custard mixture is well-mixed and evenly distributed throughout the bread and apples. This ensures a creamy and custardy texture.
4. Topping Crunch: The sugar and cinnamon topping adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip it, and consider adding nuts for extra texture and flavor.
5. Serve Warm: Bread pudding is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. However, it can also be reheated in the microwave or oven if you have leftovers.

 

Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a comforting dessert that combines the best of two beloved classics. With its layers of spiced apples and custardy bread, it’s a dessert that warms both the heart and the taste buds. Whether enjoyed as a family dessert or a special treat for guests, this dish embodies the essence of autumn and the joy of home-baked goodness. So, indulge in the cozy flavors of this Apple Pie Bread Pudding and savor the warmth it brings to your table.