Go Back
As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there's a certain warmth that beckons us to the kitchen. One of the most comforting desserts that captures the essence of fall and winter is apple bread pudding. This dish combines the heartiness of bread with the sweetness of apples, creating a cozy experience that envelops you in nostalgia. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through your home—it’s the perfect remedy for chilly evenings.

Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Caramel

Warm up your chilly evenings with this Cozy Apple Bread Pudding featuring luxurious bourbon caramel. This comforting dessert blends hearty bread, sweet apples, and aromatic spices, filling your home with the scent of cinnamon and baked goodness. Perfectly balanced with a rich caramel drizzle, it's an indulgent treat for family gatherings or quiet nights in. Discover how easy it is to create this nostalgic favorite and make every bite a warm hug for your taste buds!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Bread Pudding:

6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

4 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Bourbon Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup bourbon

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread Pudding:

    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

      - In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

        - Add the bread cubes to the mixture, gently folding to ensure the bread is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak up the custard.

          Add the Apples and Optional Ingredients:

            - Gently fold in the diced apples, raisins, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the bread mixture.

              Bake the Bread Pudding:

                - Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

                  - Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Make the Bourbon Caramel:

                      - While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the bourbon caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar and cook, stirring frequently until it melts and turns a deep amber color.

                        - Once the sugar has completely melted, carefully whisk in the butter until it’s fully melted and combined. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble.

                          - Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the caramel is smooth. Stir in the bourbon and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

                            Serve:

                              - Cut the warm apple bread pudding into squares and serve drizzled with the bourbon caramel sauce. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence!

                                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8-10