Apple Bread Pudding
A comforting dessert that combines sweet apples, hearty bread, and warm spices, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
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.
Notes
For best results, use stale or day-old bread. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.