This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this dish combines the familiar flavors of apple pie and cinnamon rolls into a delightful bread pudding.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
What makes this apple cinnamon bread pudding so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Soft, custardy bread is studded with tender apples and swirled with cinnamon spice. Plus, it’s a great way to use up stale bread! The sweet, warm aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. This bread pudding is also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with different types of bread, apples, or even add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence. You can create this bread pudding with just a few pantry staples, so it’s a budget-friendly option for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread, cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work well)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dried out. This step helps the bread absorb the custard better. Let the bread cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved into the wet mixture.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Apples
Place the dried bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the bread.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Bread
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it’s fully submerged in the custard.
Step 5: Let it Soak
Let the bread pudding sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the bread to soak up the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and delicious final product.
Step 6: Drizzle with Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the apple cinnamon bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and prevents it from being too soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This apple cinnamon bread pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple additions. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm bread pudding.
For a brunch setting, serve it alongside crispy bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit salad. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the presentation and flavor. This is the perfect dish for a holiday breakfast, a cozy weekend brunch, or a comforting dessert after dinner. You can add caramel sauce on top for added sweetness.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftover apple cinnamon bread pudding, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a larger portion, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer to reheat smaller portions. Be sure to keep the bread pudding covered while reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Key Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45-55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Required Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubed (French bread, brioche, or challah work well)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until slightly dried out. This step helps the bread absorb the custard better. Let the bread cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved into the wet mixture.
- Place the dried bread cubes in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the bread.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread to make sure it's fully submerged in the custard.
- Let the bread pudding sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, to allow the bread to soak up the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and delicious final product.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the bread pudding.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- Let the apple cinnamon bread pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and prevents it from being too soggy.
