Do you ever feel like the best moments in life are those that warm your soul, just like how a cozy blanket wraps you up during chilly nights? That’s precisely the sensation this Apple Pie Bread Pudding brings. It’s like a love letter to autumn, even if you’re making it in the heat of summer or the frosty depths of winter. The infusion of spicy apple pie with the lush, velvety texture of bread pudding is like the sweet embrace of your favorite sweater—comforting, familiar, and oh-so-satisfying. And when it’s drenched in that sweet apple syrup, it’s like Mother Nature herself baked it just for you.

Strolls, Stories, and Sweet Sensations:

Ah, memories! I recall a crisp October afternoon, the kind where the leaves have turned golden and every step on the sidewalk sounds like a rustling whisper. Granny had decided it was the perfect day for a baking experiment. Between her traditional apple pie and my craving for bread pudding, we were in a bit of a dessert dilemma.

And just like that, we decided, “Why not both?” Out came the aging French bread, apples from the orchard, and a sprinkle of adventure. With Edith Piaf crooning in the background, we danced around the kitchen, adding a touch of this and a pinch of that. By the time the dessert was in the oven, our entire house smelled of cinnamon dreams and apple wishes.

That first spoonful? Divine! Like the melding of generations and traditions in one bite. If you’ve ever wanted to relive a memory through taste, this is it. Now, when I bake this, I always remember Granny’s twinkling eyes and the magic of that autumn day. So, as you savor this, ask yourself: does it take you on a leaf-covered walk through memory lane? 🍂🍎🥧

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Savor the comforting flavors of autumn any time of year with this Apple Pie Bread Pudding. This warm, custardy dessert marries the richness of bread pudding with the spiced sweetness of classic apple pie, topped off with a delightful syrup from the cooked apples. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unbeatable treat!

Prep Time: 15 minutes     Cook Time: 55 minutes      Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Servings: 9 (9×13 casserole dish) Calories: 465kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• For the Bread Base:
  • 14 oz French bread, stale, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp apple pie spice
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

• For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 1 3/4 lb gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp apple pie spice
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water

Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Bread:

   • About 24 hours before preparing the bread pudding, spread the bread cubes on a large baking sheet and leave them out to get stale.

2. Apple Pie Filling:

   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and combine well with a whisk.
   • Mix in 3/4 cup brown sugar.
   • Introduce the diced apples, apple pie spice, and water. Stir, cover, and cook until apples are tender (about 10-15 minutes).
   • Remove from heat and strain, reserving the juices. Let the cooked apples cool.

3. Bread Pudding Assembly:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish lightly.
   • Evenly distribute the stale bread in the baking dish, then scatter the cooked apples over and between the bread pieces.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, 1/2 cup brown sugar, apple pie spice, and cinnamon.
   • Pour this mixture over the bread and apples, pressing down lightly on the bread.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center feels firm and dense.
   • Once baked, drizzle the reserved apple juices over the bread pudding.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the bread pudding warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Notes:

• Nutritional Information: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 306mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 594IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 3mg.

Remember to give credit when sharing this recipe, and enjoy the heavenly flavors of this delightful dessert!