Description
This Apple Bread Pudding recipe is a warm, comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of Gala apples with the rich flavors of cinnamon, apple pie spice, and brown sugar. Baked to golden perfection, it features cubes of stale French bread soaked in a creamy custard base, making it an ideal treat for fall or any time you crave a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 14 oz French bread (preferably stale, cut into cubes)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Fruit
- 3-4 lb Gala apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 1/4 cups whole milk
Liquids
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced Gala apples, 2 1/2 tablespoons flour, 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of water. Stir frequently and cook until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the custard and assemble: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 2 1/4 cups whole milk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well combined. Arrange the cubed stale French bread in a greased baking dish. Pour the cooked apple mixture evenly over the bread cubes, then pour the custard mixture over everything. Press down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the custard.
- Add the topping and bake: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup packed brown sugar with 1 teaspoon apple pie spice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the assembled bread pudding. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 50-55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using stale French bread helps the pudding absorb the custard better without becoming too soggy.
- You can substitute Gala apples with other sweet, crisp varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative.
