Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding – Warm, Cozy Holiday Dessert

Sarah Smith
Nov 4, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Bread pudding in a blue ramekin, topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Green leaves and a blue cloth in the background.

This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding combines soft, custardy bread with caramel-coated apples and warm spices for the ultimate comfort dessert. Baked until golden and topped with rich caramel sauce, it’s everything you love about fall in one decadent, cozy bite. Serve this warm bread pudding with classic apple crisp or carrot cake, or add a piece of Dubai chocolate bar for an indulgent touch.

Ingredients

For the bread pudding:

6 cups cubed day-old brioche or French bread
2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
3 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt

For the topping:

3 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Optional: chopped pecans or whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.
Prepare the bread and apples: Place bread cubes and diced apples evenly in the dish.
Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
Assemble: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples. Gently press down on the bread so it soaks up the liquid. Drizzle melted butter over the top.
Let it rest: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed, with a firm center.
Add caramel: Remove from the oven and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Enjoy warm with extra caramel drizzle, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

Try using cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor.
Add toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Substitute a pear for an apple for a soft, delicate twist.
Make ahead: assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

FAQ

Q: What type of bread works best? Brioche, challah, or French bread work best because they absorb the custard without falling apart.

Q: Can I use canned apple pie filling? Yes, but fresh sautéed apples give the best flavor and texture.

Q: How do I make the bread pudding creamier? Use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes — assemble it, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day.

Q: How long does it last? Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat covered so it stays moist.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding feels like a dessert straight from a simpler time — the kind that filled the kitchen with the scent of baked apples and warm caramel while everyone lingered nearby, waiting for dessert. It’s the sort of recipe often made with leftover bread, shared from a well-worn dish, and enjoyed slowly at the table long after dinner is done. Cozy, familiar, and deeply comforting, this bread pudding is perfect for fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a dessert that tastes like home and brings back sweet memories with every bite.