Name: Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ loaf French bread (about ½ lb), cut into ¾” cubes; 2 cups apple, diced with skin on (about 1 large apple); ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; ½ cup honey; Zest of 1 orange; Vanilla ice cream; Caramel sauce

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If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Apple Bread Pudding Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crusty French bread soaking up a luscious custard infused with aromatic spices, fresh diced apples adding juicy bursts of flavor, and crunchy walnuts for an irresistible texture contrast. This comforting dessert is surprisingly simple to make but impressively delicious—perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions when you want something homemade with a touch of fall magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal square pan filled with a mixture of uneven bread pieces soaked in a creamy liquid. The bread chunks are toasted light brown with some crust parts showing a darker brown, scattered across the pan. The creamy liquid is pale yellow with small visible specks of seasoning. A woman's hand is using a spoon to gently stir or press into the mixture from the bottom right corner. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this wonderful Apple Bread Pudding Recipe, you just need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from lending sweetness and warmth to adding texture and brightness, making the final dish truly unforgettable.

French bread, ½ loaf (about ½ lb): Crusty and sturdy bread absorbs the creamy custard beautifully without falling apart.
Apples, 2 cups diced with skin on (about 1 large apple): The crispness and natural sweetness of the apples keep every bite fresh and lively.
Walnuts, ½ cup coarsely chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the bread.
Eggs, 4 large: They create the rich, velvety custard that binds everything together.
Milk, 2 cups: Gives moisture and creaminess to the custard mixture.
Honey, ½ cup: A natural sweetener that lifts the entire dish with floral notes.
Orange zest, 1 teaspoon: Brightens the pudding with fresh citrus aroma and adds complexity.
Ground cardamom, ¼ teaspoon: Provides a warm spice accent that pairs beautifully with apples.
Cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon: Classic spice that instantly evokes cozy fall feelings.
Ground ginger, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle zing and warmth to balance the sweetness.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and prevents them from tasting flat.
Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The perfect creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
Caramel sauce (for serving): Drizzled on top, it turns every bite into a decadent treat.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by greasing your baking pan – a 7 x 11”, 9 x 9”, or 8 x 8” will work beautifully. Cut the French bread into roughly ¾-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in the pan. This bread acts as the canvas, soaking up all those delightful custard flavors while still holding a little texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together with honey until smooth and glossy. Then, add the milk, orange zest, cardamom, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk again until everything is combined into one fragrant custard mixture. If you prefer a smoother custard, feel free to blend the mixture until silky.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard

Pour the custard over the bread cubes ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step is where the magic happens, as the bread absorbs all the rich flavors. Then, sprinkle the diced apples and chopped walnuts evenly over the top. Gently press them down with a spatula so they nestle nicely into the custard-soaked bread.

Step 4: Chill Before Baking

Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even better, overnight. This chilling time allows the bread to soak up all the custard goodness, and the flavors to meld wonderfully.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the pudding for 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the depth of your pan, until the top turns a lovely golden brown and the custard sets completely. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving so the pudding can firm up slightly.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

The image shows a square metal baking pan filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer appears to be a soft, light brown bread or cake base. On top of this base is a thick layer of small, evenly cut apple pieces with red skin and white flesh, mixed with small chunks of walnuts that add a rough texture. The colors are warm and natural, with the reds from the apple skin contrasting with the light browns of the bread and nuts. The baking pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a light beige cloth partially visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over warm apple bread pudding is pure bliss, offering cool creaminess that contrasts the tender richness. Alternatively, dollops of tangy Greek yogurt bring a fresh brightness. Don’t forget a generous drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra indulgent touch that kids and adults alike will adore.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to enhance the warm flavors. For a festive brunch, try serving it alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausages—the sweet and savory duo never disappoints.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive twist, serve individual portions of the Apple Bread Pudding Recipe in small ramekins or jars, topped with nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You can also layer it with whipped cream and fresh apple slices to turn this comforting dish into a stunning trifecta of texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, cover your apple bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying as a quick breakfast treat or leftover dessert.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the dessert tightly with foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor or texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, simply heat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes. Alternatively, warm the whole dish uncovered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the top is lightly crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use bread other than French bread for this Apple Bread Pudding Recipe?

Absolutely! While French bread gives a nice crusty texture, you can substitute with brioche, challah, or even a rustic country loaf for a richer or slightly sweeter result.

Is it necessary to soak the bread overnight?

It’s not required but highly recommended. Soaking overnight helps the bread absorb the custard fully, giving the pudding a creamier texture and deeper flavor.

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

Yes! Simply swap the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a honey substitute if needed to keep it dairy-free.

What can I do if I don’t like nuts?

If walnuts aren’t your thing, feel free to omit them or replace with dried cranberries or raisins for a different burst of sweetness and texture.

How can I make this dessert more festive?

Add a splash of bourbon or brandy to the custard before baking, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, or serve with whipped cream and caramel drizzle to elevate it for special occasions.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that becomes a kitchen staple once you try it. It’s straightforward to make, warmly fragrant with spices, and filled with comforting textures that feel like home in every bite. Trust me, inviting this dessert to your table will make chilly days so much cozier and moments with family even sweeter. So grab that French bread and fresh apples—your next favorite treat is waiting!