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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
Apple Pie Bread Pudding — When apple pie and bread pudding decide to have a culinary baby, this delightful dessert is born. Autumn vibes, no raking required! 🍎🥖🍂
Special Equipment:
- Medium saucepan (for apple pie filling preparation)
- Large mixing bowl (for custard mix)
- Strainer (for separating the apple pie syrup from the cooked apples)
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Serve alongside a spiced chai tea or hot apple cider for added autumnal vibes.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts can add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- Opt for brioche or challah bread for an even richer bread pudding.
- Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries with the apple mixture for an added fruity pop.
- Replace the apple pie spice with a mix of ground nutmeg, allspice, and cloves for a unique spice blend.
- If you’re in a pinch and don’t have stale bread on hand, you can toast the bread cubes in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes.
Common Questions:
-
Can I use a different type of bread?
- Yes! While French bread offers a good, sturdy texture, other types like challah, brioche, or even cinnamon-raisin bread can add a unique twist.
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How do I store any leftovers?
- Cover the bread pudding and refrigerate. It should last 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
-
I don’t have apple pie spice. How can I make it?
- Apple pie spice is typically a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. You can mix these spices together in a pinch.
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Can I use another fruit in place of apples?
- Certainly! Pears make a great alternative, but you might need to adjust cooking time based on the fruit’s tenderness.
Bite into the warm, custardy goodness of this dessert and let the flavors transport you straight to a cozy autumn afternoon, even if it’s mid-summer. Embrace the season, no matter the season! 🍂🍏🥧