Imagine a dessert that whispers sweet tales of French countryside kitchens, where rustic charm meets decadent flavors. This French Apple Bread Pudding is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms humble ingredients into a luxurious treat that will make your taste buds dance with delight. With its golden, custardy texture and warm spices, this dessert promises to turn an ordinary evening into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups bread, cubed
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread and sliced apples. If you are using raisins, add them to the mixture as well. Toss everything together to distribute the apples and raisins evenly among the bread cubes.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture over the bread and apple mixture in the baking dish. Gently stir to ensure that all the bread and apples are soaked in the custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
- Once the mixture has rested, spread it out evenly in the baking dish. You can press down gently on the bread to ensure it is well submerged in the custard.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit more.
- Serve warm, optionally drizzling with caramel sauce or dusting with powdered sugar. Enjoy your delicious French apple bread pudding!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Use day-old bread like brioche or challah for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively.
- Apple Selection Matters: Opt for firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking.
- Let It Soak: Allow the bread to soak in the custard mixture for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Temperature is Key: Use room temperature eggs and milk for a smoother custard mixture.
- Don't Overbake: Watch carefully in the last 10 minutes to prevent the top from burning. The pudding should be golden and slightly wobbly in the center.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
