Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure where we blend the comforting essence of warm spices with the sweet and tart flavor of apples. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that has been long overdue on our blog: Apple Pie Bread Pudding. This dish brings together the timeless love for apples and the rich, cozy vibes of bread pudding, topped with a luscious caramel sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. You’ll love how the apples add a fruity freshness to the rich, custardy bread, while the homemade caramel sauce provides a sweet, buttery finish. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that feels like a warm hug on a cool day.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Small bowl
• Heavy saucepan
• Baking sheet (optional, for drying bread)

Ingredients

• 8 cups bread, cubed
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp cinnamon, divided
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup sugar + 2 Tbsp
• ½ cup raisins

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, eggs, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and ½ cup sugar.
3. Stir in the chopped apples and raisins. Gently fold in the bread cubes until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix 2 Tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bread pudding.
6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is puffed and golden brown.
7. While the pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Pour the caramel sauce over the bread pudding when serving. For an extra treat, top with vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Success

• For best results, let the bread cubes dry out for a few hours or bake them at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until dry but not toasted.
• This dish can be prepped the night before and baked in the morning, which enhances the flavors.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try using a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the custard mixture for extra depth.
• Experiment with different types of bread, like brioche or challah, for a richer texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dessert is a delicious treat, but it does come with its share of calories due to the bread, butter, and sugar. Enjoy it in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of yogurt? Yes, you can use plain yogurt or even Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.

What if I don’t have raisins? You can omit them or substitute with dried cranberries or chopped nuts.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free bread.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this Apple Pie Bread Pudding as much as we do. It’s a cozy, comforting dessert that brings a touch of autumn to your table. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Happy baking!