There’s something magical about a pan of warm Apple Bread Pudding baking in the oven. I still remember the first time I made it. My kids had just polished off a loaf of challah, leaving only stale heels.
I refused to waste a single crumb. So, I tossed those chunks into a dish, poured a sweet custard over them, and folded in tender apples. When I pulled that golden, fragrant pan out, my family gathered around the table.
Now, this simple, nourishing dessert is our favorite cold-weather hug. Honestly, this Apple Bread Pudding feels like a warm embrace on a plate.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS APPLE BREAD PUDDING
You will adore this Apple Bread Pudding because it uses everyday ingredients. It turns stale bread into a cozy masterpiece. This Apple Bread Pudding also comes together in just 15 minutes of prep.
My kids love the soft, custardy texture. You will especially appreciate how the apples stay tender, not mushy. This Apple Bread Pudding truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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Apple Bread Pudding
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A warm, custardy bread pudding made with stale challah and tender apples, offering a cozy, comforting dessert perfect for cold weather.
Ingredients
6 cups Stale bread cubed
3 large Apples peeled and diced (Granny Smith)
4 Eggs
2 cups Whole milk
½ cup Granulated sugar
½ cup Brown sugar
4 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
2 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamo
¼ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Whisk eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until smooth
- Fold in bread cubes and diced apples. Toss gently
- Let rest for 10 minutes so bread absorbs custard
- Pour mixture into prepared dish
- Bake for 45 minutes until top is golden brown and puffed
- Cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm
Notes
Use stale bread for best texture; fresh bread turns mushy.
Let mixture sit for 10 minutes to ensure creamy center.
Do not overbake; slight jiggle means it's set.
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Can substitute milk with half-and-half, use brioche or sourdough, or add nuts/raisins.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: apple, bread pudding, dessert, comfort food
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Stale bread (cubed) | 6 cups |
| Large apples (peeled & diced) | 3 (Granny Smith is best) |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 4 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can swap the milk for half-and-half for extra richness. Use brioche or sourdough instead of challah. Try pears instead of apples for a twist.
Gluten-free bread also works perfectly here. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan butter. This Apple Bread Pudding adapts beautifully to your pantry.
For a wholesome morning treat, try our Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins. They pair perfectly with the warm spices of this Apple Bread Pudding. Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oat Muffins
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs, milk, sugars, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together in a large bowl.
The mixture should be smooth. Next, fold in the bread cubes and diced apples. Toss everything gently.
Let it rest for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard. Pour it into your prepared dish. Bake for 45 minutes.
The top should be golden brown and puffed. Cool for 10 minutes. Then serve this Apple Bread Pudding warm.
Pro tips for success
Always use stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread turns into mush. Cut your apples into small, even cubes.
This ensures every bite gets some fruit. Let the mixture sit for those 10 minutes. That step guarantees a creamy centre.
Don’t overbake the Apple Bread Pudding. A slight jiggle means it is set.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
Store leftover Apple Bread Pudding in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30 seconds.
For a crispy top, warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This Apple Bread Pudding also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Pair your leftover Apple Bread Pudding with a tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Drink for Weight Loss. This refreshing drink complements the sweetness perfectly. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink for Weight Loss
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS APPLE BREAD PUDDING
Spoon a dollop of vanilla ice cream over your warm Apple Bread Pudding. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce elevates it instantly. You can also serve it with fresh whipped cream.
A splash of heavy cream on top works beautifully, too. This Apple Bread Pudding pairs perfectly with a mug of hot cider.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Bread Pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before. Cover and refrigerate.
Bake it fresh the next day. This Apple Bread Pudding tastes even better after resting.
What’s the best bread for Apple Bread Pudding?
Stale challah, brioche, or French bread work best. They hold their shape. Avoid soft sandwich bread for this Apple Bread Pudding.
How do I know when Apple Bread Pudding is done?
Insert a knife near the centre. It should come out clean. The top should be golden. That tells you your Apple Bread Pudding is ready.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. Raisins also add lovely sweetness to this Apple Bread Pudding.
Apple Bread Pudding is a classic dessert that transforms stale bread into a rich, custard-filled delight. Its origins can be traced to early bread pudding recipes that frugally used leftover bread.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbs | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 8g |
