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Apple Bread Pudding with Cinnamon and Maple Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

A comforting and delicious Apple Bread Pudding featuring tender green apples cooked with warm spices, soaked brioche bread in a creamy custard, and baked to golden perfection. This classic dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and can be served warm with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Apple Mixture

  • 3 medium-sized green apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (7.5g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) water (optional, for cooking)

Bread Pudding

  • 6 cups of cubed brioche bread, slightly stale
  • 2 cups (472ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (236ml) heavy cream
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (143g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice. Add the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon to the bowl and mix thoroughly until the apples are fully coated. Pour maple syrup over the mixture and gently stir to combine.
  2. Cook the Apples: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the apple mixture. Cook the apples for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and tender. If the apples start to stick to the pan, add 2-4 tablespoons of water as needed. Once cooked, set aside and allow the mixture to cool.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  4. Prepare the Brioche Bread: Cube the brioche bread into 1-inch pieces. If the bread is not stale, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheating oven for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly dried out but not browned, which helps them absorb the custard better.
  5. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine sea salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  6. Soak the Bread: Add the cubed brioche bread to the custard mixture and gently stir to ensure all pieces are coated. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the custard fully.
  7. Combine Apples and Custard Bread: Fold the cooled cooked apple mixture into the custard-coated bread, distributing the apples evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Assemble and Drizzle Butter: Pour the entire bread and apple custard mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the top to help create a rich crust during baking.
  9. Bake the Pudding: Bake the bread pudding uncovered in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft to the touch. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the custard to finish setting for optimal texture. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • If brioche bread is not stale, toasting helps it absorb the custard better without becoming soggy.
  • Add a few tablespoons of water when cooking apples if they start sticking to the pan to prevent burning.
  • The resting time after baking is crucial for the custard to fully set and develop optimal texture.
  • This bread pudding can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and use a suitable bread option.