As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of baking apples always meant something special was in the oven.
Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, custardy pudding studded with tender chunks of apple and pillowy bread, all enveloped in a heavenly blend of cinnamon and vanilla. This dessert is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Love About Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Flavors
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the harmonious marriage of tart apples and warm cinnamon. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness from the custard and a subtle tang from the apples, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
Textures
This bread pudding is a textural wonderland. The bread soaks up the rich custard, becoming delightfully soft while maintaining just a hint of chewiness. The apples retain a slight bite, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy pudding. And let’s not forget the crispy, caramelized top layer that adds a wonderful crunch to each spoonful.
Difficulty Level
- Overall: This recipe falls into the easy to intermediate category, making it accessible for most home cooks.
- Preparation: You can prepare most components in advance, such as cutting the bread and apples.
- Just before serving: For the best experience, serve the pudding warm, perhaps with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Special Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Choosing Your Ingredients
Bread
Opt for a day-old crusty bread like French bread or sourdough. The slightly stale texture will help the bread absorb the custard without becoming mushy.
Apples
Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
Cinnamon
Choose a high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for its sweet and delicate flavor. This will elevate the overall taste of your bread pudding.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Easily
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and peel and chop the apples.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Add the bread cubes and chopped apples to the custard mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
- Don’t overbeat the custard mixture to avoid creating too many air bubbles.
- Let the bread soak in the custard for at least 15 minutes before baking to ensure even distribution.
- Cover the pudding with foil if it’s browning too quickly in the oven.
- Test for doneness by inserting a knife in the center – it should come out clean when the pudding is ready.
How to Store Your Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
- Optimal storage: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Recommended storage time: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Variations and Pairings
Variations
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
- Substitute some of the milk with apple cider for an extra apple kick.
Pairings
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of late harvest Riesling.
Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding
Equipment
- – 9×13 inch baking dish
- – Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- – 6 cups day-old bread cubed
- – 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped
- – 4 large eggs
- – 2 cups whole milk
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- – 1/4 tsp salt
- – 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add bread cubes and chopped apples to the custard mixture, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the pudding.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
– The pudding can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning.
– Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.