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Easy Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

Easy Apple Pie Bread Pudding

A cozy baked bread pudding made with day-old bread, diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a rich whole-milk custard. Serve it warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bread Pudding
  • 8 cups Day-old French bread or brioche, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 apples Medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 4 eggs Large eggs
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 1/2 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Optional Add-In
  • 1/2 cup Raisins or chopped pecans
Optional Apple-Pie Topping
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons Cold butter, cut into small pieces

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Place the cubed day-old bread in the prepared dish, then scatter the diced apples and optional raisins or chopped pecans evenly over the top.
  3. Whisk the eggs, whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture. Press the bread down gently so the cubes begin absorbing the liquid.
  5. Let the assembled pudding stand for 15–20 minutes. If using the topping, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle it over the pudding, and dot the surface with cold butter.
  6. Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the center is set, the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. Rest the bread pudding for 10–15 minutes before serving. Spoon it into bowls and finish with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, or powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Day-old or slightly stale bread gives the best texture because it absorbs the custard without becoming excessively soggy. If using fresh bread, toast the cubes at 300°F for about 10–15 minutes first. For a stronger apple-pie flavor, sauté the diced apples for 5–7 minutes with 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon before assembling.