Apple Bread Pudding Recipe: A Warm, Cozy Delight
Are you craving a comforting dessert that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this apple bread pudding recipe! This classic dessert is perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps to create this warm, comforting treat.
Ingredients for the Best Apple Bread Pudding
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. You'll need:
- Stale Bread: Approximately 6 cups of cubed, day-old bread (challah, brioche, or even a hearty white bread work well). Stale bread is key for absorbing the custard without becoming soggy.
- Apples: 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are great choices). The acidity of the apples complements the sweetness of the pudding beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup packed brown sugar for that rich caramel flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup granulated sugar for balance.
- Eggs: 3 large eggs, providing structure and richness.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk – whole milk creates a creamier pudding.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup heavy cream for extra richness and luxurious texture.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth and spice.
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg for an added layer of warmth and complexity.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick) of unsalted butter, melted, for greasing the baking dish and adding flavor.
- Optional additions: raisins, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking for extra deliciousness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Apple Bread Pudding
Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly baked apple bread pudding:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cube the stale bread into approximately 1-inch pieces. Peel, core, and dice the apples.
Step 2: Combine the Custard Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, gently combine the cubed bread, diced apples, and the custard mixture. Make sure the bread is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb some of the custard.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes a perfect complement.
Tips and Variations for Your Apple Bread Pudding
- Bread Choice: Experiment with different types of bread for varying textures and flavors.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- Make it boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult twist.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or chocolate chips all make delicious additions.
This apple bread pudding recipe is a delightful way to use up stale bread and create a comforting dessert. Its versatility allows you to personalize it to your liking. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we’d love to see your apple bread pudding masterpieces!
