Looking for a comforting dessert that screams autumn? This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding combines the cozy flavors of fall with a rich, gooey caramel finish. It's the perfect way to celebrate apple season!
Bread is the backbone of this pudding, absorbing all the delicious custard. Stale bread works best as it soaks up more flavor. Apples add a fresh, fruity element and become tender and sweet when cooked. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples can add a nice depth of flavor.
The brown sugar provides a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs well with apples. Granulated sugar balances the sweetness and is essential in the custard. Butter not only helps cook the apples but also adds richness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic fall spices that enhance the apple flavor. Whole milk and eggs create the custard base, making the dish creamy. Caramel sauce is a sweet finishing touch, adding a luxurious layer. Vanilla extract and salt round out the flavors, balancing and enhancing the sweetness.
This bread pudding shines on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a crunchy texture contrast, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving later.
Next, grab a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the apples, brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook this mixture for about five minutes until the apples become tender but not mushy. The smell is divine!
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is your custard base, and it should be well-mixed for even flavor throughout the pudding.
Now, add the cubed bread and the cooked apple mixture to your custard, stirring until the bread is nicely coated. This step ensures every piece of bread is saturated with flavor.
Pour the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press down gently so the bread absorbs the liquid thoroughly. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps it firm up a bit more.
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