apple pie bread pudding

You might have noticed by now that I have a thing with making food inspired by apple pie that isn't actually apple pie. Like apple pie waffles, apple pie rugelach, and crustless apple pie {aka really, really good applesauce}. And now, I've made you Apple Pie Bread Pudding. Truth be told, I don't think I've ever even made actual apple pie, but I just love making things with caramelized apples and cinnamon and pecans and all of that pie-inspired goodness. This bread pudding is incredibly rich and delicious, and it combines a soft, creamy bread pudding base with chunks of buttery apples, toasted pecans, and a healthy sprinkle of apple pie spice. Topped with whipped cream, this is nothing short of cozy perfection. Don't remind me that we're halfway to April, the weather is crap and I demand cozy food NOW.

I know that both apples and bread pudding are typically fall or winter foods, but like I said it's mid-March and it still hasn't gotten warm. I think my body has given up on ever coming out of hibernation so, well, there's nothing wrong with some cold weather food in my opinion. Bread pudding is one of those ridiculously easy desserts that is stupid-simple to make, almost impossible to mess up, and can be customized super easily! I've made a tiramisu version before, as well as one with chocolate and caramel, and one with chocolate chips and almonds. I decided to step away from the chocolate for once, and the addition of apples and pecans is seriously perfect in here! Caramelizing the apples is a tiny bit time consuming, but most of the time is hands-off, and the flavor payoff is definitely worth it. Think of buttery, velvety, melt-in-your-mouth apples coated with brown sugar and a dash of cinnamon spice, hiding in a perfectly soft and creamy bread pudding, and topped with toasted, rich pecans. Ahhh. I wish I had some now...

Print Recipe

apple pie bread pudding

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Puddings &amp, Trifles

Author: Valentina | The Baking Fairy

Ingredients

• *for the caramelized apples*
• 3 apples peeled and cubed
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice/pumpkin pie spice
• *for the bread pudding*
• 5-6 cups dry bread cubes {about 1 large baguette}
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon apple pie spice/pumpkin pie spice
• ½ cup pecans chopped

Instructions

• In a medium nonstick pot on medium-low heat, melt together the butter and brown sugar. Add in the apple cubes, and allow them to cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to become soft and the sauce to become sticky and caramelized.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, and spice. Add in the bread cubes, and toss well so they are completely coated. Allow them to soak while the apples finish cooking.
• When the apples are ready, remove them from the heat and mix them into the milk and bread mixture.
• Now, heat the oven to 350F. Grab a 9x13 baking dish, spray with nonstick spray, and pour in the bread pudding mix. Sprinkle some pecans on top, and place in oven when it is hot. You want to give the bread as much time to soak as possible!
• Bake for 60-75 minutes, until top is golden brown and pudding does not jiggle in the center. The pudding will settle and continue cooking as it cools down.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.