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5 from 1 vote

Cozy Apple Bread Pudding

This cozy apple bread pudding is super fluffy and custardy. It's filled with warm spices and apples for a cozy and delicious breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Keyword: apple, bread pudding, fall, holiday
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Half the Sugar Baker

Ingredients

For the apples:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 cups diced apples around 3 large apples
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the bread pudding:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups milk warmed or room temp
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 6 cups fluffy bread like brioche or challah, cut into cubes around 1/2 a loaf
  • 1/4 cup raisins optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

  • Butter a 9x9 inch or 9x13 inch baking dish.

Precook the apples:

  • In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Then add the dice apples, water, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until softened but not mushy. Set aside.

Make the bread pudding custard:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar until well combined. Then whisk in the milk and vanilla extract. Add the melted butter and whisk until everything is well combined.
  • Add the cubed bread to the buttered baking dish. Spoon the precooked apples over the bread. Top with the raisins and walnuts. Then pour the custard mixture over everything. If you have time, let the bread soak for 30-60 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 350ºF. Once preheated, bake the bread pudding for 30 to 45 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center should still be wobbly. Allow the bread pudding to cool slightly and serve warm. Optionally, serve with powdered sugar or maple syrup.

Notes

It is important for the milk to be warm or at room temperature so that the butter does not solidify when they are mixed.
Instead of brioche or challah, try making this bread pudding with milkbread, donuts, or even leftover cake.
For even more cozy flavors, feel free to add ground ginger and ground cloves to the custard mixture.
I highly recommend letting the bread soak in the custard for 30-60 minutes before baking, but if you are in a rush, feel free to bake the bread pudding immediately.