Introduction

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is the perfect dessert to celebrate autumn’s bounty. Imagine soft, custardy bread infused with warm spices, tender chunks of sweet apples, and a luscious caramel sauce drizzled over the top. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples, instantly making your home feel cozy and inviting.

This dessert transforms simple bread into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth pudding, making it perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat. Topped with rich caramel and, optionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s a warm, indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this bread pudding because it combines textures and flavors perfectly — soft, custardy bread, tender sweet apples, warm spices, and sweet, buttery caramel. It’s a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant, comforting yet indulgent. Unlike overly sweet desserts, the balance of apple tartness, caramel richness, and spiced custard makes every bite layered with flavor. Plus, it’s an easy way to use up leftover bread, turning it into something truly special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Ultimate Fall Dessert: Sweet apples and caramel capture the essence of autumn.
• Custardy & Comforting: Perfect texture that’s creamy inside with a slight crisp on top.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Looks elegant but is easy to assemble.
• Versatile Toppings: Pair with whipped cream, ice cream, or extra caramel drizzle.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked before serving.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20–25 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Calories: Approximately 400–450 kcal per serving (with caramel sauce)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American (Fall/Comfort Food)

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare bread and apples.
2. Make the custard and soak the bread.
3. Bake until golden and set.
4. Prepare caramel sauce.
5. Serve warm with caramel drizzle and optional toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Bread and Apples

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted butter.
3. Cube bread into 1-inch pieces and place in the prepared dish.
4. Toss diced apples with 1 tsp cinnamon and a pinch of sugar (optional) and scatter evenly over bread cubes.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding

1. Pour the custard evenly over the bread and apples, pressing gently with a spatula so bread absorbs the liquid.
2. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to soak for maximum custardy texture.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (knife inserted near center should come out clean).
2. Remove from oven and let cool for 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar and salt; bring to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Drizzle over warm bread pudding before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, topped with caramel sauce.
• Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or toasted pecans for extra indulgence.
• Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunch, or dessert after dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use Day-Old Bread: It absorbs the custard better than fresh bread.
• Apple Variety: Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp adds sweetness and texture.
• Soak Bread Well: Ensures custardy, soft texture.
• Grease Dish Generously: Prevents sticking and caramel mess.
• Check Doneness: Top should be golden; custard slightly jiggles.

Variations

• Chocolate Caramel Bread Pudding: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the bread cubes.
• Nutty Twist: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
• Pear Variation: Substitute apples with diced pears for a sweeter, delicate flavor.
• Boozy Caramel Sauce: Add 2 tbsp bourbon or rum to the caramel for depth of flavor.
• Mini Servings: Use ramekins for individual portions; reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Keep covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat slices before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
• Caramel Sauce: Prepare fresh before serving; don’t freeze pre-drizzled.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Small saucepan (for caramel sauce)
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use stale bread?
Yes! Day-old bread is ideal; it absorbs custard without becoming mushy.

Q2: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day for fresh pudding.

Q3: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely, but homemade caramel adds a richer, buttery flavor.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute bread with gluten-free bread; adjust soaking time slightly.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a decadent, comforting dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall. With tender bread, spiced apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy weekends at home. Its warmth, aroma, and richness make it a crowd-pleaser, and the easy assembly means you can create a luxurious dessert without stress. Serve it warm, with ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy a slice of autumn bliss.