If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug on a plate, this Apple Bread Pudding Recipe has got you covered. Combining tender cubes of bread with juicy apples, a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard, and buttery richness, it transforms simple pantry staples into a soul-satisfying delight. Whether it’s a family gathering, a comforting weekend treat, or just a way to use up leftover bread, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of texture and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a layered dish on a white marbled background. The first step is in a clear round glass dish with slices of light brown bread arranged in a circle, with small light yellow apple pieces scattered on top. The second step shows a white bowl with a light beige foamy liquid being mixed by a woman's hand using a silver whisk. The third step returns to the glass dish, now filled with the beige liquid poured over the bread and apple pieces, partially soaking them. The last step shows the glass dish fully layered with many small apple pieces covering the soaked bread slices evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Apple Bread Pudding Recipe are delightfully straightforward but play vital roles in creating its irresistible appeal. Each element adds its unique touch—from the softness of the bread to the sweet-tart pop of apple and the warm spice that ties it all together.

270 grams Bread: Brioche, challah, or white bread works wonderfully for its light texture and ability to soak up custard.
480 grams Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create that luscious custard base.
4 Eggs: Bind the pudding and give it structure with rich flavor.
150 grams Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dish just enough to balance the apples and cinnamon.
42 grams Unsalted butter: Provides a silky richness and golden topping when baked.
1 large Apple, cut into small pieces: Offers freshness and a slightly tart contrast within the pudding.
1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing every bite with its aromatic spice.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Bread

Start by preheating your oven to 180C (356F). Then, cut your choice of bread into small slices or cubes—brioche or challah work especially well for their tender crumb. Spread the bread evenly in a greased baking pan. This initial step ensures the bread gets slightly dried and crisped, setting the perfect foundation for soaking up the custard without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Drying the Bread

Pop the pan with bread cubes into the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. This drying process gently removes excess moisture so the bread will absorb the custard more effectively later. It also starts creating subtle toasted notes that deepen the overall flavor.

Step 3: Mixing the Custard

While the bread dries, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This custard mixture is the heart of the pudding—creamy, sweet, and warmly spiced. Cutting the apple into small cubes now prepares it to embrace the surrounding bread perfectly during baking.

Step 4: Combining Ingredients

Take the dried bread out of the oven and evenly scatter the apple pieces throughout. Pour the custard mixture gently over the bread and apples, then dot the surface with small chunks of unsalted butter. The butter melts through the pudding as it bakes, creating pockets of irresistible richness.

Step 5: Letting It Rest

Let the assembled bread pudding rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This is an important step—the bread soaks up the custard, ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy and flavorful from top to bottom.

Step 6: Baking the Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Cover the pan and bake in the preheated oven for around 40 minutes. The pudding is done when it’s puffed, golden brown on top, and the custard has set into a soft, custardy filling. It will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Once baked, let the pudding cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This brief rest allows it to settle, making it easier to cut and serve. It’s now ready for your favorite finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a dessert that has two main layers: a bottom layer of soft, light brown bread or cake pieces mixed with chunks of cooked apple, and a thick, creamy pale yellow sauce generously poured over the top, partially covering the fruit and bread. The bowl sits on a wooden serving board placed on a white marbled surface, with a spoon resting inside the bowl. In the background, there is a matching white bowl filled with more of the bread and apple mixture, and a clear glass bowl holding a yellow liquid, likely egg yolk. A folded beige napkin is also partly visible on the marbled surface near the wooden board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, snowy finish, but don’t stop there—serve your apple bread pudding with warm caramel sauce, silky crème anglaise, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent touch. Fresh whipped cream is also a classic favorite that complements the pudding’s richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This comforting dessert pairs effortlessly with simple sides like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt to bring a cool contrast to the warm pudding. For brunch connections, try it alongside crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in small ramekins or clear glass dishes to showcase the layers of custard, apples, and bread. You can also top it with toasted nuts or a sprinkle of granola for an added crunch. Bringing out your favorite festive dishware turns this humble pudding into a star attraction on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be rare!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The pudding will keep well for 3 to 4 days, and its flavors often deepen beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Apple Bread Pudding Recipe actually freezes quite well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, warm individual servings gently in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered in a preheated oven at 160C (320F) until heated through. Adding a splash of milk or a tiny pat of butter before reheating helps keep the pudding nice and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice brightness, sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp also pair wonderfully. Just be mindful that some apples soften more quickly during baking.

Is it necessary to dry the bread in the oven before adding custard?

This step is highly recommended because it prevents the pudding from becoming soggy. Drying the bread slightly gives it the perfect texture to absorb the custard without falling apart.

Can I make this Apple Bread Pudding Recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The texture might vary slightly but it will still taste delicious!

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based milk alternatives and replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon ground seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use vegan bread and butter alternatives to keep it fully plant-based.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the bread pudding?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries introduces delightful texture and flavor contrasts that complement the apples beautifully. Just fold them in with the apples before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding Recipe quickly became a treasured favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it will be in yours too. It’s the kind of comfort food that invites warm smiles, lingering conversations, and happy hearts around the table. Once you try it, the balance of cinnamon-spiced apples, tender custardy bread, and buttery richness will turn this dessert into your go-to crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

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4.4 from 28 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A comforting and delicious Apple Bread Pudding made with tender brioche bread cubes soaked in a cinnamon-infused custard, studded with fresh apple pieces, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a cozy dessert or sweet brunch treat.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

270 grams brioche bread, challah, or white bread, cut into cubes
1 large apple, cut into small pieces
42 grams unsalted butter, cut into chunks

For the Custard Sauce

480 grams whole milk
4 eggs
150 grams granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the bread pudding.
Prepare Bread: Cut the brioche, challah, or your chosen bread into small slices or cubes, then place them onto a greased baking pan.
Dry the Bread: Place the bread cubes in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes to slightly dry them, which helps them absorb the custard better.
Make Custard and Prepare Apples: While the bread is drying, whisk together whole milk, eggs, sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Cut the apple into small cubes.
Assemble Pudding: Remove the partially dried bread from the oven, distribute the apple pieces evenly throughout the bread cubes, then pour the custard mixture over everything. Dot the top with chunks of unsalted butter.
Sit and Soak: Allow the assembled pudding to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard.
Bake: Cover the pan and bake at 180°C (356°F) for about 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly for 5 minutes. Serve warm with crème anglaise, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or simply dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

You can use different types of bread such as brioche, challah, or white bread depending on your preference.
Allowing the pudding to sit before baking improves the custard absorption for a creamier texture.
Feel free to customize toppings with sauces like caramel or chocolate or keep it simple with powdered sugar.
If you want a richer custard, substitute some milk with cream.
Ensure butter chunks are evenly distributed to add flavor and richness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American