Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, nostalgic embrace of freshly baked bread with the sweet, tangy burst of juicy apples - welcome to the most irresistible comfort food you'll ever experience! This Apple Bread Pudding is not just a recipe; it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a magical, mouthwatering treat that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply craving a delightful homemade dessert, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the 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, cube the bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Use day-old bread for best texture and absorption.
- Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. If not using immediately, toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture, gently folding to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated. Let the bread soak for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Fold in the diced apples and optional raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and ensuring the bread and apples are well distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The pudding will continue to set as it cools.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively, creating a more luxurious pudding.
- Apple Prep Perfection: Cut apples into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the pudding.
- Soaking is Key: Allow the bread to soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and create a creamy texture.
- Don't Overbake: Watch the pudding carefully in the last 10 minutes of baking. A golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center indicate it's perfectly cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Elevate your dessert with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This pudding can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for dinner parties or meal prep.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to experiment with additional spices, swap raisins for nuts, or try different bread types to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
