Warm Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe – Perfect Sweet Treat

Apple Pie Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s an enchanting culinary experience that beautifully marries two beloved classics into one irresistible dish. Imagine the comforting warmth of a perfectly spiced apple pie, with its tender fruit and aromatic cinnamon, gracefully combined with the rich, creamy indulgence of a traditional bread pudding. This ingenious creation takes the very best elements of both, offering a dessert that feels both delightfully familiar and excitingly new all at once.

Historically, bread pudding emerged from resourceful kitchens, transforming humble stale bread into a luxurious treat, a testament to culinary ingenuity. Apple pie, on the other hand, has long been a cherished symbol of home, comfort, and celebration across many cultures. Our recipe for this exceptional Apple Pie Bread Pudding pays homage to these time-honored traditions, elevating simple ingredients into a truly extraordinary delight that speaks to generations.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

People adore this particular dish not only for its clever combination but for its unparalleled taste and sublime texture. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend: the soft, custardy bread soaking up the sweet, spiced liquid, intermingled with tender chunks of baked apple that burst with vibrant flavor. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with inviting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apple, is enough to draw everyone in. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings, a cozy weekend treat, or simply when you crave something profoundly satisfying and wonderfully easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• For the Apple Pie Bread Pudding Base:
• 1 large loaf (approximately 1.5 lbs or 680g) of stale bread. I love using challah, brioche, or even day-old French bread for this. Something soft and absorbent works wonderfully.
• 4 large apples. My favorites for baking are Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith if you like a bit of tartness to cut through the sweetness. I often go for a mix to get a balanced flavor!
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar.
• 1/2 cup (95g) packed light brown sugar.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but I think it really adds depth and warmth!).
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 4 large eggs.
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half. Whole milk gives a lovely richness, but half-and-half takes it to an even more decadent level!
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but a fantastic textural contrast and nutty flavor!).
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional, for an extra burst of fruitiness and chew).
• For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping:
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour.
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar.
• 1/4 cup (45g) packed light brown sugar.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes.
• For Serving (Optional):
• Vanilla ice cream.
• Freshly whipped cream.
• Caramel sauce.

Preparing Your Apple Pie Bread Pudding Base

1. Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish: First things first, let’s get our oven ready for this delightful “Apple Pie Bread Pudding”. I always preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me, a little non-stick spray or a good rub with butter goes a long way to prevent any sticking. I usually spray it generously and then dust it lightly with flour, just to be extra sure that our beautiful bread pudding will release perfectly.
2. Prepare the Bread: This is where the “bread” in “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” truly shines! Take your chosen loaf of stale bread. Stale bread is actually your best friend here because it absorbs the custard mixture beautifully without becoming overly mushy, giving you that perfect custardy texture. If your bread isn’t quite stale, don’t fret! You can cube it and spread it on a baking sheet, then toast it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s slightly dried out. Cut your bread into roughly 1-inch cubes. You’ll want about 8-10 cups worth of these lovely cubes. Don’t worry too much about precise measurements; this is a rustic and forgiving dish! Place all those wonderful bread cubes into a very large mixing bowl. We’re going to add a lot of deliciousness to it soon.
3. Prepare the Apples: Now for the apple pie part of our “Apple Pie Bread Pudding”! Peel, core, and dice your apples into about 1/2-inch pieces. I like a slightly smaller dice for bread pudding so that the apple pieces are tender and evenly distributed throughout each bite. If you’re using a mix of apples, like I often do, you’ll get a wonderful complexity of flavor and texture. For example, a crisp Honeycrisp paired with a slightly tart Granny Smith is divine and really enhances that “apple pie” feel! Once diced, toss the apple pieces with 1/4 cup of the melted butter, 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. This little pre-toss ensures the apples are coated in flavor before they even meet the custard, allowing them to caramelize slightly and infuse every bite with an amazing spiced apple goodness.
4. Combine Bread and Apples: Gently add your seasoned apple pieces to the bowl with the bread cubes. If you’re including chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or dried cranberries, now is the perfect time to fold those in as well. I absolutely love the slight crunch that toasted nuts bring to this soft, custardy dessert, and the chewiness of dried fruit adds another delightful layer of texture and sweetness. Give everything a good, gentle toss to distribute the apples and any optional add-ins evenly among the bread cubes. You want to see a nice mix of all components. Set this bowl aside for a moment while we prepare the luscious custard.

Crafting the Custard Mixture

5. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, we’re going to create the heart of our “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” – the rich, creamy custard. Crack your four large eggs into the bowl. Add the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, all of the light brown sugar, the remaining 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, the allspice, any optional cloves, and the salt. Using a whisk, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light yellow and slightly frothy. You want to make sure the sugars are dissolving and everything is well incorporated, creating a smooth base. This usually takes me about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking to achieve the perfect consistency.
6. Introduce Dairy and Vanilla: Next, pour in the whole milk (or half-and-half if you’re feeling extra indulgent and want an even richer “Apple Pie Bread Pudding”!), heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract. Give it another good whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and uniform. The mixture should be smooth and silky. This is your luscious custard base, and it’s going to transform those humble bread cubes into something truly magical. The vanilla really brightens up all those warm spices, so don’t skimp on good quality extract; it makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor!

Assembling and Soaking Your Apple Pie Bread Pudding

7. Pour and Soak: Now, carefully pour the entire custard mixture over the bread and apple mixture in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula or your clean hands, gently press down on the bread cubes to ensure they are fully submerged in the custard. You want every single piece of bread to have a good soak, absorbing as much of that delicious liquid as possible. This is a critical step for a moist, flavorful, and perfectly custardy “Apple Pie Bread Pudding”. I usually let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or even better, cover it and refrigerate it for a couple of hours or overnight. The longer it soaks, the more flavor the bread absorbs, resulting in a truly decadent and moist “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” that melts in your mouth. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes is better than nothing, but I highly recommend giving it ample time for the best results.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Once your bread has had its glorious soak and is plump with custard, transfer the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out so that the apples and bread cubes are distributed nicely throughout the dish. You want a relatively flat, even surface for optimal baking and to ensure every part cooks consistently.

Preparing the Irresistible Cinnamon Streusel Topping

9. Combine Dry Streusel Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel topping. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar and that the spices are evenly distributed. This streusel is going to add an incredible textural contrast – a crisp, sweet, and spicy crunch – and another layer of warm spice to our “Apple Pie Bread Pudding”.
10. Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry streusel mixture. Now, here’s the fun part: using your fingertips, a pastry blender, or two forks, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining, as these will melt and create those desirable crispy, buttery pockets during baking, giving the streusel its signature texture. Don’t overmix! Overmixing will lead to a tough, bready streusel instead of a light, crumbly, and tender one. Once it looks like sandy, pebbly crumbs, with some slightly larger bits of butter, you’re good to go.
11. Top the Pudding: Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the entire surface of the bread pudding mixture in the baking dish. Don’t press it down; just let it sit lightly on top. This ensures a beautifully crisp and golden-brown crust that complements the soft, custardy interior of the “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” perfectly.

Baking Your Perfect Apple Pie Bread Pudding

12. Bake Until Golden and Set: Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The baking time will typically be between 50 to 65 minutes, but ovens can vary, so I always start checking around the 50-minute mark. You’re looking for a few key indicators: the streusel topping should be a beautiful golden brown and look delightfully crispy, and the custard in the center should be set. To test for doneness, I gently jiggle the dish; if the center is still very wobbly, it needs more time. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out mostly clean, your “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” is ready! If you notice the streusel browning too quickly before the center is set, you can lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time to prevent over-browning.
13. Cool Before Serving: This is perhaps the hardest step – waiting! Once your “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” is baked to perfection and looks absolutely irresistible, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack. I know it smells absolutely heavenly and you’ll want to dive right in, but it’s crucial to let it cool and set for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to firm up properly, preventing it from being too loose, and ensures that each serving holds its shape beautifully. Plus, it’s less likely to burn your tongue if you let it cool a bit!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Apple Pie Bread Pudding

14. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Slice your warm “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” into generous portions. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with so many things. I love to serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the warm pudding, creating a delightful sauce that’s truly heavenly. A dollop of freshly whipped cream is also a classic and always welcome addition, adding a light, airy contrast. And if you want to elevate it even further, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon makes it utterly irresistible and adds another layer of indulgence. This “Apple Pie Bread Pudding” is truly a comforting dessert that brings together the best of fall flavors in every single bite. It’s perfect for a cozy evening, a festive holiday gathering, or just when you need a little something sweet and warm to brighten your day. Enjoy every delicious spoonful of this incredible treat!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the sweet finale of our culinary adventure, and I truly hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am about this incredible dessert. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symphony of comforting flavors that effortlessly blends two beloved classics into one unforgettable experience. When I set out to create this dish, my goal was to capture the essence of cozy autumn evenings and the simple joy of sharing something truly special with loved ones. I believe we’ve achieved just that. This isn’t merely a bread pudding; it’s an elevated, comforting masterpiece that will undoubtedly earn you rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to try it. The tender, custardy bread, infused with those signature apple pie spices, cradling succulent pieces of softened apple, creates a textural and flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. It’s a dish that manages to be both delightfully sophisticated and wonderfully rustic, hitting all the right notes for any occasion.

What makes this particular rendition a must-try, in my humble opinion, is its perfect balance. It’s rich without being overly heavy, sweet without being cloying, and brimming with the familiar, heartwarming taste of home. Every spoonful is a testament to the magic that happens when simple, quality ingredients are brought together with a little love and patience. The aroma alone, as it bakes and fills your kitchen, is enough to get stomachs rumbling and hearts soaring. Imagine that scent—a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples—wafting through your home; it’s truly intoxicating and immediately signals that something wonderful is coming your way. This recipe, dear reader, promises not just a dessert, but an experience, a memory in the making, and a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss for your taste buds. It’s comforting, it’s nostalgic, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey.

Elevate Your Experience with Serving Suggestions:

Now, while this dessert is absolutely divine on its own, I’m a firm believer in taking things up a notch! For a truly decadent treat, I highly recommend serving a warm slice of this delightful creation with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, spiced bread pudding is a textural and temperature contrast that is pure heaven. Another fantastic option is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a tangy crème anglaise would also be an exquisite accompaniment, adding another layer of lusciousness and sophistication. Don’t forget a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that final, inviting touch. For a more casual presentation, simply serve it warm in individual ramekins, perhaps alongside a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. The possibilities for enhancing this already perfect dish are endless, so feel free to get creative and tailor it to your personal preferences or the occasion.

Endless Variations to Make It Your Own:

One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its incredible versatility. While the classic flavor profile of Apple Pie Bread Pudding is undoubtedly a winner, don’t hesitate to experiment and make it uniquely yours! Consider swapping out half of the apples for pears or even a mix of berries for a different fruity dimension. For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the mix before baking. The type of bread you use can also significantly alter the final result; while challah or brioche provides a rich, custardy base, a cinnamon swirl bread could amp up the spice factor even further, or a hearty sourdough could lend a subtle tanginess. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of rum or bourbon in the custard base could add a wonderful depth and warmth, especially for a grown-up gathering. You could even play with different spice combinations, perhaps incorporating a touch of cardamom or allspice alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, inviting you to adapt and personalize it to suit your mood or what you have on hand. It’s a wonderful opportunity to truly embrace the joy of cooking and tailoring a dish to perfection.

So, what are you waiting for? This is your official invitation to roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and embark on a deliciously rewarding baking journey. Trust me when I say that the effort, however minimal, will be profoundly worth it. The warmth, the aroma, and the sheer delight of tasting this exquisite dessert are experiences you won’t want to miss. Once you’ve created your own masterpiece, I wholeheartedly encourage you to share your culinary triumph! Take a photo, tell us about any variations you tried, and most importantly, let us know how much you and your loved ones enjoyed this comforting creation. Your feedback and shared experiences inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. Let’s spread the joy of homemade goodness far and wide. Happy baking, my friends, and I can’t wait to hear all about your amazing Apple Pie Bread Pudding adventures!

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate cozy dessert. Made with soft brioche bread soaked in a rich vanilla bean custard, it’s laced with a warm, gooey, and tart apple pie filling in every bite. Baked until perfectly golden, this comforting treat is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, extra gooey apples spooned on top, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty finish.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
60 Minutes

Total Time
5 Minutes

Servings
10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 large loaf (680g) stale bread (e.g., challah, brioche)
• 4 large apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Granny Smith), peeled, cored, diced
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (95g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup (75g) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for streusel)
• 1/4 cup (45g) packed light brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel)
• 1/4 tsp salt (for streusel)
• 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed (for streusel)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
• Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
• Caramel sauce (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut stale bread into 1-inch cubes (8-10 cups) and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2
   Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss apples with 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg. Add seasoned apples, and optional nuts or dried fruit, to bread cubes; toss gently to combine.
3. Step 3
   In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, light brown sugar, remaining 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, allspice, optional cloves, and salt until light and frothy. Stir in whole milk (or half-and-half), heavy cream, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
4. Step 4
   Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apple mixture. Gently press bread to ensure all cubes are submerged. Let soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight for the best results.
5. Step 5
   Transfer the soaked bread and apple mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Step 6
   For the streusel topping, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the entire surface of the bread pudding.
7. Step 7
   Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and crispy, and the custard in the center is set (a knife inserted comes out mostly clean). If the streusel begins to brown too quickly, lightly tent the dish with aluminum foil.
8. Step 8
   Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to firm up properly.
9. Step 9
   Serve warm, sliced into generous portions, with optional vanilla ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.