Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe With Warm Spices And Sauce

Name: Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 8 oz brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes and dried overnight; – 1 cup milk (at room temperature); – 1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature); – 1/8 cup granulated sugar; – 1/8 cup light brown sugar; – 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 4 large eggs (at room temperature); – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; – 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; – 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt for caramel-style sauce; – 8 tablespoons unsalted butter for caramel-style sauce; – 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for caramel-style sauce; – 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar for caramel-style sauce; – 2 teaspoons apple pie spice for caramel-style sauce; – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for caramel-style sauce; – 5 peeled and diced Granny Smith apples; – 1 cup water

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Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

This caramel apple bread pudding recipe offers a mix of ease and deliciousness that’s perfect for any home cook. With simple steps that take just 10 15 minutes to assemble and 40 50 minutes to bake, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Using everyday ingredients like day-old bread and fresh apples means you can whip it up without a trip to the store.

While it’s an indulgent treat, this version brings some health perks too. The apples add fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion, and you can tweak it with reduced-fat milk or less sugar for a balanced option. It’s a great way to enjoy a sweet dessert without overdoing it.

Plus, it’s super versatile, adapting to diets like vegan or gluten-free with easy swaps. The blend of warm caramel, tender apples, and spices creates a memorable flavor that’s more exciting than a standard apple pie. You’ll find yourself making this caramel apple bread pudding again and again for its rich, comforting taste.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
2. Essential Ingredients for Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
5. Mastering Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
8. Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Essential Ingredients for Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

8 oz brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes and dried overnight (cinnamon-flavored brioche can be used for added depth)
1 cup milk (at room temperature)
1 cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
1/8 cup granulated sugar
1/8 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (for caramel-style sauce)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel-style sauce)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for caramel-style sauce)
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (for caramel-style sauce)
2 teaspoons apple pie spice (for caramel-style sauce)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for caramel-style sauce)
5 peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup water

These ingredients come together to make a creamy, spiced treat that’s full of flavor. Each one plays a key role, from the brioche that soaks up the custard to the apples that add a tart contrast. Be sure to measure them out carefully for the best results in your caramel apple bread pudding.

How to Prepare the Perfect Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparation and Mise en Place

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan. Cut 8 oz of brioche bread into 1-inch cubes and dry them overnight or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes. This step ensures the bread absorbs the custard without getting too soggy in your caramel apple bread pudding.

Gather and measure all your ingredients, including 5 peeled and diced Granny Smith apples and the custard mix. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun, just like a cozy kitchen adventure.

Cook the Apples and Make the Caramel Sauce

Next, melt 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, cooking for one minute. Add 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, stirring until smooth and thick.

Reserve 1/2 cup of this caramel-style sauce for later. Then, add the diced apples and 1 cup water to the skillet, simmering for 10 15 minutes until the apples are tender and coated. This brings out their tartness, balancing the sweet caramel perfectly in your apple bread pudding.

Assemble and Bake

Whisk together the custard ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/8 cup granulated sugar, 1/8 cup light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt until smooth.

Grease your baking pan and layer one-third of the brioche cubes, followed by one-third of the caramel apples, repeating twice. Pour the custard over the layers, pressing the bread down to soak it up. Bake at 350°F for 35 45 minutes until golden and slightly wobbly in the center.

After baking, let it rest, then warm the reserved caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top. For an extra treat, add vanilla ice cream. This bread pudding with caramel sauce and apples is sure to impress your family.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For a vegan version, replace 4 large eggs with 3 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tbsp water or 3 tbsp aquafaba.
Swap brioche bread for gluten-free options to keep the caramel apple bread pudding inclusive.
Use unsweetened plant milk instead of dairy for a lactose-free twist.

These swaps let you tailor the recipe to your needs, like adding Greek yogurt for more protein. It’s all about making this homemade caramel apple bread pudding work for everyone at the table.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Try adding grated pear or roasted butternut squash for extra depth. For sauces, a salted tahini drizzle can add a fun nutty flavor instead of traditional caramel.

Play with spices like cardamom or ginger to mix things up. These changes keep the bread pudding with warm spices and creamy sauce fresh and exciting every time.

Mastering Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro Cooking Techniques

To get that perfect custardy inside, bake in a water bath at 325°F. This keeps everything even and prevents dry edges in your caramel apple bread pudding.

Toast the bread cubes first for a better texture. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in your apple bread pudding.

Flavor Variations and Presentation

Experiment with brown butter caramel for a nutty twist. For serving, drizzle warm caramel and add ice cream for a wow factor.

Make it ahead by assembling and refrigerating overnight. This deepens the flavors in your bread pudding recipe.

How to Store Caramel Apple Bread Pudding: Best Practices

Let your caramel apple bread pudding cool to room temperature before covering it tightly and refrigerating for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to keep it moist and tasty.

For freezing, wrap it well and store for 2 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently to maintain the creamy sauce.

Portion into ramekins for easy meals.
Store sauce separately for the best texture.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Can I use any type of bread for caramel apple bread pudding?

While you can use different breads, brioche is ideal for caramel apple bread pudding due to its rich, buttery texture. Alternatives like challah or soft French bread will work but may not provide the same depth of flavor and creaminess that brioche offers. Avoid dense or overly crusty breads to ensure the pudding soaks up the custard evenly.

Is it possible to prepare caramel apple bread pudding in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding the day before baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Before baking, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, which helps it cook evenly. Expect it to need a few extra minutes in the oven since it’s starting cold.

Can I substitute fresh apples with canned apple pie filling in this recipe?

You can replace fresh apples with approximately 42 ounces of canned apple pie filling. Keep in mind that canned filling is sweeter than fresh apples, so reduce the brown sugar amount in the caramel sauce to balance the sweetness. Since this substitution hasn’t been extensively tested, monitor the flavor and adjust as needed.

What should I do if my caramel sauce becomes too thick when making bread pudding?

If the caramel sauce thickens too much, gently warm it over low heat and add a small amount of water or cream to loosen it. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency, allowing it to absorb into the bread pudding smoothly without clumping.

Can I leave out the apple pie spice in the caramel apple bread pudding recipe?

It’s best not to omit the apple pie spice as it blends the flavors of apples, caramel, and custard, giving the dessert its classic fall-inspired taste. If you don’t have the spice blend, try warming cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in similar proportions as a substitute to maintain the rich, spiced flavor profile.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Spices and Creamy Sauce