The Best Apple Bread Pudding Recipe Ever

Easy Apple Bread Pudding with Challah

What if I told you the secret to the most incredibly rich and custardy apple bread pudding wasn’t a complex technique, but a simple twist on a classic that guarantees a perfect result every time? I’ve always adored bread pudding, but often found homemade versions to be either too dry or too soggy. That all changed when I developed this recipe for easy apple bread pudding. By using rich, eggy challah and a “double-apple” method that involves both sautéed and fresh apples, we create a dessert with layers of flavor and a texture that is simply divine. This is more than just a recipe; it’s the solution to all your bread pudding woes.

This guide will walk you through creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Imagine tender cubes of challah soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, studded with soft, caramelized apples and tart fresh apple pieces, all baked to golden-brown perfection. Get ready to fall in love with bread pudding all over again.

Your Toolkit for a Perfect Pudding

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this sensational dessert. The magic is in the quality of the ingredients and how they come together.

Timing Your Dessert Masterpiece

This impressive dessert is surprisingly straightforward to assemble, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy nights in.

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

For a baked dessert of this caliber, the hands-on time is remarkably low. It takes about 20% less active prep time than a traditional apple pie from scratch.

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread the challah cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, until lightly toasted and dry. Let the cubes cool slightly, then transfer them to a large bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Apples

While the bread toasts, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of your diced apples, ¼ cup of the brown sugar, and the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender and the liquid has thickened into a syrupy glaze.

Step 3: Combine the Base

Add the sautéed apples and their glaze, along with the remaining fresh apple pieces, to the bowl with the toasted challah cubes. Toss gently to combine. Pour this mixture into a greased 8×8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish and spread into an even layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Custard

In the now-empty bowl, whisk together the milk, the remaining ¼ cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt until the sugar is dissolved. Add the eggs and whisk until just combined. Finally, whisk in the heavy cream.

Step 5: Soak and Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Gently press on the bread to help it absorb the custard. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up all that deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Touches and Baking

In a small bowl, combine the 1½ tablespoons of melted butter with the remaining 1½ tablespoons of brown sugar. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the top of the pudding. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the pudding is puffed, golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

this now & bake later ❤️

Nutritional Insights

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving, assuming the pudding is divided into 8 servings:

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~35g

While this is an indulgent dessert, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients. The apples provide a good source of fiber and vitamins.

Healthier Alternatives for Your Pudding

Looking to lighten things up? Here are a few simple adjustments you can make without sacrificing flavor.

• Reduce the Sugar: You can easily reduce the amount of brown sugar by about a quarter without a significant impact on the final taste, especially if your apples are sweet.
• Lighter Dairy: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a less rich, lower-fat custard.
• Whole-Grain Goodness: While challah is traditional, using a whole-wheat bread will increase the fiber content of the dish.

Sensational Serving Suggestions

This apple bread pudding is a star on its own, but a little something extra can take it over the top.

• Classic & Creamy: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream is a timeless pairing.
• Caramel Drizzle: A generous drizzle of warm caramel or salted caramel sauce enhances the rich flavors.
• A La Mode Twist: Try it with a scoop of cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream for a delightful flavor combination.
• Breakfast for Dessert: Believe it or not, a warm slice of this pudding makes for an incredibly indulgent brunch dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a perfect pudding every time, sidestep these common pitfalls:

• Using Fresh, Soft Bread: Using toasted, slightly stale bread is crucial. It soaks up the custard without turning to complete mush.
• Over-mixing the Custard: Whisk the eggs until just combined. Over-mixing can make the final texture tough rather than tender.
• Not Letting it Soak: Giving the pudding 15 minutes to soak before baking allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, leading to a more uniform texture.
• Slicing it Too Hot: Letting the bread pudding cool for at least 20 minutes allows the custard to set properly, making it much easier to slice and serve.

Storing Your Delicious Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting great:

• Refrigeration: Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat bread pudding is in the oven. Place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
• Freezing: You can freeze bread pudding for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your New Favorite Comfort Dessert

This easy apple bread pudding is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of rich challah, a creamy, spiced custard, and a double dose of sweet and tart apples creates a dessert that is both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover bread and create a memorable treat for your loved ones.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the incredible flavor and texture for yourself. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious and dependable recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assemble this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.

What’s the best type of apple to use?

Granny Smith apples are recommended for their firm texture and tartness, which balances the sweetness of the pudding. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or any other firm baking apple would also be a great choice.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try making a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free bread, plant-based butter, and full-fat oat milk or a combination of plant-based milks for the custard. The texture may be slightly different but should still be delicious.

Why is my bread pudding watery?

A watery bread pudding can be a sign of underbaking or an incorrect ratio of liquid to bread. Ensure you’re using the correct amount of bread and that the pudding is fully set in the center before removing it from the oven.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Raisins, cranberries, chopped pecans, or walnuts would all be wonderful additions. Add them to the bread cubes along with the apples.