Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce
This Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce is the ultimate cozy dessert with tender apples, warm spices, and luscious homemade caramel. Perfect for any sweet craving!
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes preferably stale or day-old bread
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups diced apples peeled and cored
- 1/2 cup raisins optional
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream for caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for caramel sauce
- a pinch salt for caramel sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- Start with 4 cups of cubed stale or day-old bread. Dry fresh bread in a low oven (250°F/120°C) for about 15 minutes if needed.
Mix the Custard
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth and combined.
Combine Bread, Apples, and Extras
- Fold bread cubes into custard, allowing to soak for about 10 minutes.
- Gently stir in 2 cups peeled and diced apples, 1/2 cup raisins (optional), and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Bake the Bread Pudding
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer soaked bread mixture to greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until set and golden brown. Tent with foil halfway if top browns too quickly.
Make the Caramel Sauce
- Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles.
- Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Bring sauce to gentle boil and simmer about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Serve
- Let bread pudding cool slightly after baking.
- Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce before serving.
- Enjoy your comforting Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce!
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Aluminum foil
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Use day-old bread for best texture; fresh bread can be dried in the oven first.
- Customize by swapping apples with pears or dried fruits and nuts with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently and add fresh caramel sauce to revive flavor and texture.
- Caramel sauce can be made ahead and reheated before serving for convenience.
