This warm and comforting Apple Pie Bread Pudding brings together soft brioche cubes, cozy spices, and tender apples baked into a rich custard. It’s the perfect blend of apple pie and classic bread pudding in one irresistible dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers all the flavors of apple pie without the work of making a crust. The bread absorbs a cinnamon-spiced custard, turning irresistibly soft inside and lightly crisp on top. It’s simple, adaptable, and perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a comforting weeknight treat. Serve it plain or elevate it with caramel sauce and a creamy topping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bread Pudding
6 cups brioche or French bread, cubed
2 cups apple pie filling (or 2 apples, peeled and cooked in butter with cinnamon and brown sugar)
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Toppings
Caramel sauce
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Directions
Place the cubed brioche or French bread into a greased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the bread and lightly toss to distribute.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Press lightly to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Let the mixture rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for 1 hour for deeper soaking.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set in the center.
Serve warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 10–15 minutes (or up to 1 hour chilled)
Baking time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Use challah instead of brioche for a slightly richer texture.
Add raisins, chopped walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
Replace apple pie filling with sautéed pears for a pear-spice twist.
Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the custard for added depth.
Replace milk with a nondairy alternative for a dairy-light version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep bread pudding from becoming too soggy?
Use day-old bread and allow the mixture to rest just long enough to absorb the custard without oversaturating.
Can I use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
Yes. Cook peeled apples with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until softened before adding them.
What type of bread works best?
Brioche and French bread absorb custard well while maintaining structure.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The top should be golden, and the center should be set with only a slight jiggle.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk and cream, and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can cut the sugars by one-third without affecting the texture significantly.
Can I bake this in a larger dish?
Yes, but the pudding will be thinner and may require less baking time.
What can I serve with bread pudding besides caramel?
Warm custard sauce, honey drizzle, or simple powdered sugar all work beautifully.
Can leftovers be eaten cold?
Yes. Bread pudding is delicious warm or chilled.
Conclusion
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding merges classic fall flavors with the cozy simplicity of traditional bread pudding. With its tender custard-soaked bread and spiced apple filling, it’s a versatile dessert suited for gatherings, holiday tables, or an indulgent evening treat. Enjoy it warm with your favorite topping and savor every comforting bite.
A cozy dessert that combines the warmth of apple pie with the soft richness of bread pudding, featuring custard-soaked brioche and spiced apples for a comforting treat.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 20 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 cups brioche or French bread, cubed
2 cups apple pie filling (or 2 apples, peeled and cooked in butter with cinnamon and brown sugar)
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of nutmeg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional toppings: caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
Place cubed bread into the baking dish.
Evenly spoon apple pie filling over the bread and lightly toss to distribute.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples, pressing gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 1 hour.
Bake for 40–50 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set.
Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or ice cream if desired.
Notes
Use day-old bread for best absorption and texture.
Letting the custard soak in before baking improves richness.
Customize with nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of maple syrup in the custard.
Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Great served with warm custard, ice cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar.
