Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, bringing together the best of two classic treats apple pie and bread pudding. The buttery brioche soaks up the rich, spiced custard, while the homemade apple pie filling weaves in layers of soft, cinnamon-kissed apples. The result? A perfectly warm, golden-baked pudding with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a balance of sweet and spiced flavors. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with the reserved apple pie filling juices, this dessert transforms into an indulgent experience. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to enjoy the essence of fall, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The warmth, the spices, and the soft, custardy bread come together in perfect harmony, making every bite pure comfort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Bread:
- 12 thick-cut slices of brioche bread or 12 brioche rolls, preferably dried out overnight, cut into 1″ cubes
- Optional: turbinado sugar, for topping
Apple Pie Filling:
- 1 ¾ lb apples of choice (~5 apples; mix of Gala and Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Custard:
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Optional: ½ tsp apple pie spice
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
Directions:
-
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9” round (or 8” or 9” square) baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- Place the pan onto a baking sheet and set aside.
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Prepare the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add flour and apple pie spice, stirring well.
- Stir in brown sugar, followed by the diced apples and water.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft but not mushy.
- Remove from heat and strain the juices, reserving them for later.
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Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together milk, cream, butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and apple pie spice until butter is melted.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in eggs, one at a time.
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Assemble the Bread Pudding:
- Arrange ⅓ of the bread cubes at the bottom of the prepared pan and press down.
- Spread ⅓ of the apple pie filling over the bread.
- Repeat the layering process twice, finishing with the apple pie filling on top.
- Pour custard evenly over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Press down gently to help absorb the custard.
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Bake & Serve:
- Sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar, if using.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and set, but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with reserved apple pie filling juices and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: ~320 kcal per serving | Servings: 8-10
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Apple Pie Bread Pudding isn’t just another dessert it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures. What makes this particular recipe so special is its balance of sweetness and spice, its use of high-quality ingredients, and its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or a cozy autumn evening, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
1. The Perfect Blend of Two Classics
Traditional bread pudding is often made with plain white bread or day-old rolls, but this recipe takes it to another level with buttery, rich brioche. Brioche’s slightly sweet and tender crumb makes it the perfect choice for absorbing the spiced custard, creating a texture that is both creamy and slightly firm. Meanwhile, the apple pie filling is made from fresh apples, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, mimicking the flavors of a homemade apple pie.
By layering these two elements, every bite delivers a contrast of soft, spiced apples and creamy, vanilla-infused bread. The bread pudding bakes into a beautifully golden dish with crispy edges and a luscious, custardy center.
2. A Versatile and Customizable Dessert
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can switch up the type of apples used to adjust the flavor profile tart Granny Smith apples bring a bit of tang, while Gala or Honeycrisp apples provide a natural sweetness. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread if brioche isn’t available, such as challah, French bread, or even croissants for an extra buttery touch.
For those who enjoy extra texture, add-ins like chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins can be incorporated into the apple pie filling. If you love a bit of extra crunch, a streusel topping can be sprinkled over the pudding before baking, creating a delightful contrast to the soft interior.
3. Ideal for Any Occasion
While Apple Pie Bread Pudding is especially popular in the fall, thanks to its warm spices and apple-based filling, it’s a dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. It makes a fantastic holiday dessert for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover bread at any time of the year.
If you’re entertaining guests, you can prepare the pudding in advance and bake it just before serving for a stress-free dessert. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized presentation.
Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for this bread pudding requires a few key tips and techniques:
1. Use Slightly Stale Bread
Fresh brioche can be too soft and may become overly soggy when soaked in custard. To prevent this, let your bread sit out overnight so that it slightly dries out. Stale bread absorbs custard more effectively, leading to a better texture.
2. Cook the Apple Pie Filling Properly
Unlike a traditional apple pie, where apples continue to cook inside the crust, this bread pudding requires the apple filling to be pre-cooked. Simmering the apples with sugar, butter, and spices before assembling the dish ensures they are perfectly soft and flavorful when baked.
3. Balance the Custard
The custard mixture should be rich but not overly sweet, as the apple filling already provides natural sweetness. A combination of whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract creates a creamy consistency that soaks evenly into the bread.
4. Don’t Overbake
Overbaking can cause the pudding to dry out, so it’s important to remove it from the oven when the top is golden brown and the center is slightly wobbly. As it cools, the residual heat will continue to firm up the custard, ensuring a perfect, soft interior.
5. Serve with the Right Toppings
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, as it melts into the warm pudding and creates a delightful contrast of temperatures. Caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the flavors and presentation.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Apple Pie Bread Pudding can be stored and enjoyed later, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Short-Term Storage:
If you plan to serve it within a few hours, simply cover the dish and leave it at room temperature. This allows the pudding to remain soft and moist.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for about 1-2 minutes.
Freezing:
This bread pudding can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion:
Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a dessert that embodies warmth, comfort, and indulgence. By combining the familiar flavors of apple pie with the creamy, custard-soaked goodness of bread pudding, this dish offers the best of both worlds. Whether enjoyed as a cozy fall treat, a holiday dessert, or a way to use up extra bread, it is guaranteed to impress.
With its golden-baked top, rich apple filling, and soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, this bread pudding is a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce, and you have a dish that turns any meal into a special occasion.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and absolutely irresistible, try Apple Pie Bread Pudding. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia and creativity bringing together two classic desserts into one unforgettable bite.