Apple bread pudding is one of those comforting sweet treats that brings warmth to the heart and a smile to the face. Imagine stepping into your kitchen, where the aroma of baked apples and spices fills the air, making you feel right at home.
Why We Love This Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
This apple bread pudding has earned a special place in our hearts for several reasons. First, the ingredients come together in a way that makes it incredibly satisfying, offering the soft, creamy texture of custard with the delightful crunch of walnuts and the chewiness of bread. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy this with your choice of toppings, such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, enhancing its appeal.
What truly sets this dessert apart is the nostalgic feeling it brings. Many of us have memories of cozy family dinners where desserts like these were the highlight. Sharing this apple bread pudding with loved ones brings people together, making every bite a memorable experience. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to encourage even novice bakers to give it a try, making it both approachable and rewarding.
Ingredients for Apple Bread Pudding
To make your apple bread pudding, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 loaf of French bread (about 1/2 lb), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2 cups of diced apple (about 1 large apple with skin on)
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Caramel sauce (for serving)
Each of these ingredients plays an essential role in creating your dish, from the hearty bread to the sweet apples, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
How to Make Apple Bread Pudding Directions
Creating your apple bread pudding is a straightforward process that yields amazing results. Here’s how to do it:
Grease Your Baking Pan: Begin by greasing a baking pan that’s 7×11 inches, 9×9 inches, or 8×8 inches. This ensures your pudding doesn’t stick and makes for easier serving.
Prepare the Bread: Cut the French bread into 3/4-inch thick cubes. Spread these cubes evenly throughout the greased baking dish. You want every piece of bread to absorb the delicious custard mixture you will make.
Make the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until smooth. Then, add in the milk, orange zest, and your chosen spices—cardamom, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s fully combined and smooth.
Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture generously over the bread in the baking pan. Make sure to cover all the bread pieces so they can soak up the delicious flavors.
Add Apples and Walnuts: Next, sprinkle the diced apples and coarsely chopped walnuts over the bread mixture. Gently press them down with a spatula to ensure they are nestled into the bread.
Refrigerate: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and allow it to refrigerate for at least one hour. If you’re planning ahead, let it sit overnight to deepen the flavors. This step helps the bread soak up all the custard goodness.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the custard has set. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the middle remains soft.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the pudding to cool for about 15 minutes before digging in. This slight cooling period makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding
Serving apple bread pudding is always a delight. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. To elevate the dessert, consider offering it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which perfectly contrasts the warm pudding. The ice cream melts slightly, becoming one with the pudding, making each bite richer.
For those who enjoy drizzle, a warm caramel sauce is an excellent accompaniment, adding a luscious sweetness that complements the apples and spices beautifully. If you want a lighter option, you can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt. This offering balances the sweetness while adding a creamy texture that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Expert Tips: Apple Bread Pudding
To make your apple bread pudding shine, here are some expert tips you might find helpful:
- Choose the Right Bread: Using stale or day-old French bread works wonders for this recipe. It absorbs the custard without turning mushy, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Apple Variety Matters: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a delightful contrast in flavor.
- Play with Spices: While the recipe calls for cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and salt, feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract can add another layer of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the bread pudding ahead of time by soaking it overnight. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: The pudding should be set but still slightly soft in the center. An inserted knife should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
How to Store Apple Bread Pudding
Storing your apple bread pudding is easy, ensuring you can enjoy it later. If you have leftovers—though it’s hard to believe you’ll want to—place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The pudding is best enjoyed within a few days.
To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave before serving. It can dry out slightly, so consider adding a splash of milk or serving it with ice cream to retain moisture and flavor.
Variations of Apple Bread Pudding
The basic apple bread pudding recipe can be easily customized. Here are a few variations to inspire you:
- Add Dried Fruits: Mix in some raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Incorporate Other Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you could use pecans or slivered almonds for a different crunch.
- Change Up Your Spices: Experiment with different spices or flavorings. Chai spice, for example, creates a warm, cozy flavor profile.
- Make it Chocolatey: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top before serving or mix in some chocolate chips for a delightful surprise.
- Switch to Other Fruits: While apples are the star here, you can experiment with pears, peaches, or berries to give your bread pudding a different flair.
FAQs
What is Apple Bread Pudding?
Apple bread pudding is a delightful dessert made by combining bread, apples, eggs, milk, and spices to create a soft and comforting dish. It’s often served warm, making it a cozy choice for any occasion.
Can I prepare apple bread pudding in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pudding the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. This enhances the flavors and makes it easier for you to handle it the following day.
What should I serve with apple bread pudding?
Apple bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can enhance it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
How do I know when the apple bread pudding is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the top is nicely browned and the custard is set. Insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I freeze apple bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just be sure to wrap it tightly. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Apple Bread Pudding
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 loaf 1/2 loaf of French bread (about 1/2 lb), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2 cups 2 cups of diced apple (about 1 large apple with skin on)
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup of walnuts coarsely chopped
- 4 large 4 large eggs
- 2 cups 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 unit 1 orange zested
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Toppings
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Caramel sauce (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation
- Grease a baking pan that is 7x11 inches, 9x9 inches, or 8x8 inches.
- Cut the French bread into 3/4-inch thick cubes and spread evenly throughout the greased baking dish.
Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until smooth.
- Add the milk, orange zest, and spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and salt) and whisk until fully combined.
Combine and Refrigerate
- Pour the custard mixture generously over the bread in the baking pan, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Sprinkle the diced apples and coarsely chopped walnuts over the mixture and gently press down with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for best results.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish in the oven.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the custard has set.
Serving
- Allow the pudding to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.