Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe is one of those cozy desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Combining soft, custardy bread with tender chunks of spiced apples, it’s a delightful way to turn simple pantry staples into something truly comforting. I often reach for this recipe when I want a sweet treat that’s not overly fussy but still feels special. If you love desserts with a hint of cinnamon and a creamy, rich texture, you’re going to adore this one. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a quiet night in, this bread pudding will quickly become a go-to for you and anyone lucky enough to share it.
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What Makes This So Good
This Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe strikes the perfect balance between a golden, slightly crispy crust and a luscious, creamy interior. The warm spices and tender apple bites infuse every spoonful with cozy autumn vibes that feel like home. Plus, it's an excellent way to rescue day-old bread, transforming it into a luscious dessert that's surprisingly simple to pull together.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You only need a handful of common ingredients to create a deeply flavorful pudding packed with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves this comforting dish — kids and adults alike enjoy its sweet warmth and soft texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh apples means you can make this anytime autumn apples are in season or year-round with your favorite fruit.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s a weekday dessert or weekend brunch, it bakes up reliably and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients will set you up for success with your Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe. Little tweaks here can bring out the best texture and flavor, and I’ll share why so you feel confident as you shop and prep.
- Day-Old Bread: This helps the pudding soak up custard without turning mushy. French bread or challah works beautifully because they hold structure while becoming tender inside.
- Apples: Go for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They'll keep their texture and add a fresh brightness to balance the sweet custard.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deeper caramel flavor compared to white sugar, enriching that cozy spiced vibe everyone craves.
- Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a difference—a little more fragrance and warmth compared to pre-ground powders stored for a while.
- Milk & Cream: Combining both gives you that perfect creamy custard consistency. If you want it lighter, you can swap cream for more milk, but I love the richness here.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brightens and rounds out the spices and apples beautifully.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements and step-by-step baking times are found in the recipe card below, so keep this handy for reference while you cook.
How to Make Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your pudding pulls away easily after baking. While the oven warms, cube your day-old bread into roughly 1-inch pieces for even soaking. Peel and dice 3 cups of apples into similarly sized chunks. Having the pieces uniform helps everything cook evenly and creates a perfect bite every time. When whisking together your eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, and your warm spices, make sure the sugar dissolves to avoid graininess in the custard. A well-mixed custard ensures every bread cube soaks up just the right amount of sweet, spiced liquid.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Once your custard is ready, gently toss in the bread cubes and apples, making sure each piece is coated. Let this mixture rest for about 15 minutes—this soaking time is crucial for the bread to absorb all that flavorful goodness without becoming soggy. When you pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, smooth it out so it bakes evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll begin to notice a golden crust developing, and the sweet, spiced aroma will start filling your kitchen—almost like a warm invitation to dig in. The pudding is done when it’s set in the middle but still a little jiggly, like a perfect custard. If it browns too fast around the edges, you can tent it with foil halfway through.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
After baking, let your Spiced Apple Bread Pudding rest for a few minutes to settle; this makes serving easier and lets the custard finish setting up. You’ll love the contrast between the tender apple pieces and the creamy bread soaked in that luscious spiced custard. I like to serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cold creaminess is the perfect partner here. If you want to add a little extra sparkle, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top right after baking gives a delightful crunch. Serve with a cozy mug of tea or coffee, and you have a comforting treat that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Extra Helpful Tips
To make sure your Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe turns out beautifully every time, I’ve gathered some insider tips from my own baking adventures. These little tricks will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a cashmere-soft texture with cozy, spiced flavors in every serving.
- Watch for This Sign: The pudding is perfectly cooked when the custard is just set but still slightly wobbly in the center—overbaking leads to dryness.
- Temperature Trick: Let your milk and cream come to room temperature before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling and help an even custard texture.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can assemble the pudding the night before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake fresh the next day for an easy morning or evening treat.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip the resting time after coating the bread; it ensures each cube soaks thoroughly without turning into mush.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Looking to elevate this classic Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe? Try drizzling it with a warm caramel or maple sauce right before serving for extra sweetness and depth. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture. For a refreshing twist, add a pinch of freshly grated ginger to the custard or scatter some dried cranberries throughout before baking. These little extras bring new dimension to the flavors while keeping that comforting vibe you love.
Tasty Pairings
This pudding pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a light lunch or alongside crispy bacon and eggs for a cozy brunch. For drinks, think spiced chai or a rich cup of black coffee—both complement the warm cinnamon and apple notes, making every bite more delightful. On a chilly night, a glass of mulled cider makes your serving feel like a festive celebration.
Quick Plating Tips
When serving, use a wide spoon to scoop generous portions into shallow bowls or plates so the pudding can cool slightly yet still retain warmth. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprig of fresh mint to add color and aroma at the table. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of chopped nuts on top can make it look like you spent hours perfecting it, even if you whipped it up in under an hour!
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can keep your Spiced Apple Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. You’ll notice it firms up a bit as it cools, but that makes it easier to reheat in neat portions later. Just keep it covered well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Freezer Friendly?
Absolutely! This bread pudding freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool it completely after baking, then wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw without sogginess, defrost overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the oven to refresh that crispy top and creamy interior.
Reheat Like New
Reheating in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes helps retain the pudding’s texture beautifully—cover loosely with foil if you want to keep it moist. You can also microwave single servings for about 30–45 seconds, but watch closely so it doesn’t dry out. A quick skillet warmup with a pat of butter gives a nice crisp edge and soft center, just like freshly baked.
Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
Yes! While French bread and challah give the best texture, you can use brioche, sourdough, or even sandwich bread. Just avoid overly soft or fresh bread, as it doesn’t soak custard well and might turn mushy.
Peeling is recommended because it helps the apples soften evenly and blend better with the custard texture. If you prefer a bit more chew and rustic charm, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them well.
Definitely! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free butter or oil to grease the dish. The texture may vary slightly but remains delicious.
The key is letting the bread soak just long enough (about 15 minutes) and baking at the right temperature to set the custard quickly. Also, using day-old bread helps it absorb liquid without falling apart.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple, satisfying way to warm both your kitchen and your heart. If you try it, leave a comment below sharing your favorite tweaks or serve it with your go-to topping. And hey, a five-star rating is the best way to let me know this cozy classic hit the spot! Next time, try adding a handful of raisins or swapping half the apples for pears to mix it up.
Print📖 Recipe
Spiced Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
This Spiced Apple Bread Pudding is a warm, comforting dessert featuring soft cubes of day-old bread soaked in a rich custard with sweet apples and aromatic spices. Perfect for cozy nights, it blends the sweetness of brown sugar with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to golden perfection and served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread and Fruit
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French or challah)
- 3 cups peeled, diced apples
Custard and Spices
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Combine bread and apples: Add the cubed bread and diced apples to the custard mixture, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard fully.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the soaked mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until the pudding is set in the center and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm. Enhance the pudding with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Using day-old bread is essential as it absorbs the custard better without turning mushy.
- French bread or challah works best due to their texture and flavor.
- Letting the mixture soak before baking improves custard absorption and overall texture.
- You can substitute the apples with pears or other firm fruits if desired.
- For a dairy-free option, replace milk and cream with plant-based alternatives.
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