Caramel Apple Bread Pudding – Warm, Cozy Holiday Dessert

Make a rich and comforting Caramel Apple Bread Pudding with warm cinnamon, baked apples, and drizzled caramel sauce. The perfect cozy dessert for fall and holiday gatherings.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Description

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.

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

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.

2. Prepare the bread and apples: Place bread cubes and diced apples evenly in the dish.

3. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.

4. 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.

5. Let it rest: Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb the custard.

6. Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, until golden and slightly puffed, with a firm center.

7. Add caramel: Remove from the oven and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

8. 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.