Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

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Cozy Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something truly comforting about baking a warm, fragrant dish that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and apples. This Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly that—nostalgic yet elegant, perfect for a slow weekend morning or a gentle evening treat. I love how the apples soften into tender morsels, wrapped in the toasty embrace of day-old bread soaked in a rich custard.

You’ll find that this recipe doesn’t just taste amazing; it’s also built around simple techniques that bring out layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a baking novice or someone who enjoys experimenting with classic dishes, this bread pudding will feel like a cozy hug in every bite.

Before we jump in, grab your favorite mug of tea or coffee—this is a recipe worth savoring every step of the way.

Ingredient Lowdown

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or challah) – Using day-old bread is crucial for absorbing the custard perfectly without turning mushy.
• 3 cups peeled, diced apples – Choose crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
• 4 large eggs – The backbone of your custard, giving it structure and richness.
• 2 cups milk – Adds creaminess; whole milk works best but 2% is fine too.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Boosts the custard’s luscious texture and helps it set beautifully.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Offers warmth and moisture; dark brown sugar adds a deeper caramel note.
• 2 tsp cinnamon – The star spice that infuses the pudding with cozy warmth.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg – Adds a subtle nutty undertone that complements the apples.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Brightens the flavor and ties all the spices together.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing depth.

Set Up for Success

Before you dive in, gather and prep all your ingredients—this mise en place speeds things along and prevents surprises. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure a smooth release after baking. Cubing your bread evenly helps it soak up that luscious custard fully without sogginess.

Step-by-Step: Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

1. Whisk the custard mixture: In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is silky and fragrant. This is where the spices bloom, so take a moment to breathe in that warm, fragrant scent.
2. Toss in bread and apples: Gently add your cubed bread and diced apples to the custard. Use a spatula or clean hands to toss until every piece is lovingly coated. You’ll notice how the bread immediately soaks up the liquid—that’s a good sign!
3. Let it rest: Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard fully. This soaking stage is key for achieving a pudding that’s moist and custardy inside, yet firm enough to slice.
4. Transfer and bake: Pour everything into your prepared 9×13-inch dish and spread it evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to watch for a golden top with gently puffed edges, and when a knife inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, it’s perfectly set.

5. Serve warm: I love spooning this pudding onto plates fresh from the oven, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm pudding and cold creaminess is magical.

Flavor Twists for Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

• Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for a toasty crunch.
• Swap apples for pears or a mix of both for a subtle change in flavor and texture.
• Stir in 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins to bring brightness and chew.
• Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top just before serving for extra indulgence.
• For a boozy twist, soak the apples briefly in rum or bourbon before mixing.
• Experiment with cardamom or ground cloves alongside cinnamon for an exotic spice combo.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate up to 3 days—reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
• Freeze baked pudding in individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• You can assemble but not bake the pudding the night before—just cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh the next day.
• If baking from frozen, add 10–15 minutes to the baking time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

• Can I use fresh bread for this recipe? It’s best to use day-old or slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
• What type of apples work best? Crisp, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness nicely.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—substitute milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based milks; just expect a slight flavor shift.
• How do I know when it’s done baking? The pudding should be set around the edges and slightly jiggle in the center. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
• Can I add nuts or other fruits? Absolutely! Nuts add texture, and fruits like cranberries or raisins bring lovely bursts of flavor.

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