Apple Pie Bread Pudding: A Warm Embrace in a Dish
Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your home, the promise of a sweet treat waiting to be devoured. This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is more than just a dessert; it's a warm embrace in a dish. Combining the classic flavors of apple pie with the indulgent richness of bread pudding, this recipe is a symphony of taste and texture. With its crispy top, creamy custard, and bursts of sweet apple, it's no wonder this dessert is a crowd-pleaser.
Course: Dessert Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40-45 minutes Total Time: 55-60 minutes Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 8 cups day-old French bread, cubed (stale bread works best for absorbing the custard)
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt (for added creaminess)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons
- ½ cup raisins (optional, for added texture)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
Instructions
Preparing the Bread Pudding:
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, and ½ cup sugar until well combined.
- Prepare the bread: Gently fold the bread cubes into the wet mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Add fruit and raisins: Stir in the chopped apples and raisins (if using).
- Assemble the pudding: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Create a cinnamon-sugar topping: Combine the remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Sprinkle evenly over the bread pudding.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
Making the Caramel Sauce:
While the bread pudding bakes, prepare the caramel sauce:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
- Create the caramel: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
- Let it cool: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving:
- Assemble the dessert: Once the bread pudding is baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle caramel: Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the bread pudding.
- Optional toppings: For an extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use stale bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer texture.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
- Customize your apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying flavors and textures.
- Caramel sauce variations: Add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce for balance. For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the bread pudding mixture a day in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of comfort food. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it's a recipe that even novice bakers can master. So, gather your loved ones, indulge in this sweet treat, and savor every spoonful of this classic combination.
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