Apple Pie Bread Pudding
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, made with rich brioche bread soaked in a creamy custard and laced with a homemade apple pie filling. Baked to perfection, it’s soft, warming, and packed with cozy flavors. Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this dessert is a delicious twist on classic bread pudding, perfect for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Brioche bread or rolls, preferably dried out overnight
Apples of choice (I used a mixture of Gala and Granny Smith)
Salted butter
All-purpose flour
Apple pie spice
Brown sugar
Water
Milk of choice
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Salt
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Eggs
Turbinado sugar, for topping
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Bread Pudding:
Perfect Comfort Dessert: This bread pudding combines the rich flavors of apple pie with the creamy, custardy texture of classic bread pudding, making it the ultimate comfort dessert.
Rich and Buttery Brioche: Made with brioche bread, this pudding is extra soft and buttery, adding a luxurious texture that elevates the dish.
Homemade Apple Pie Filling: The homemade apple pie filling is laced throughout the pudding, infusing each bite with warm, spiced apple goodness.
Custard-Soaked Goodness: The brioche is soaked in a rich custard mixture, ensuring that the bread pudding is moist, tender, and full of flavor.
Easy to Make: Despite its decadent taste, this bread pudding is easy to make with simple ingredients, making it an ideal dessert for any skill level.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the custard and apple pie filling is perfectly balanced by the buttery brioche, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Served with Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing this warm bread pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast that enhances the overall experience.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just a weeknight treat, this dessert is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Fall Favorite: With its apple pie flavors and warming spices, this bread pudding is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall season.
Delicious Twist on a Classic: This dish takes the traditional bread pudding to a new level by incorporating the flavors of apple pie, making it a unique and irresistible dessert.
Tips for Making Apple Pie Bread Pudding:
Use Stale Brioche Bread: For the best texture, use day-old or slightly stale brioche bread. Stale bread absorbs the custard better, resulting in a richer and more flavorful pudding.
Cut the Bread into Uniform Pieces: Cut the brioche into evenly sized cubes or slices to ensure that the custard soaks in evenly and the pudding bakes uniformly.
Make a Flavorful Custard: Whisk your custard mixture thoroughly, incorporating eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla, and warming spices like cinnamon and apple pie spice. This ensures that every bite of the bread pudding is infused with flavor.
Prepare the Homemade Apple Pie Filling: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the filling. Cook the apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of butter until they are tender but not mushy, adding a hint of lemon juice for brightness.
Layer the Bread and Filling: When assembling the bread pudding, layer the brioche cubes and apple pie filling to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake the bread pudding until it is golden brown on top and the custard is set. The center should be slightly wobbly but not liquid. This will give you a perfectly creamy texture.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the bread pudding warm from the oven. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes it the perfect comfort dessert.
Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, spiced bread pudding.
Store and Reheat Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven before serving to maintain the soft, warming texture.
How to Store Apple Pie Bread Pudding:
Room Temperature (Short-Term Storage): If you plan to serve the bread pudding within a few hours, you can keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. This is ideal for serving warm and fresh without reheating.
Refrigeration (For Up to 3 Days): Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the texture and flavors while keeping it safe to eat. Reheat individual servings before enjoying.
Freezing (Long-Term Storage): To freeze the bread pudding, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: To reheat the bread pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. This method restores the soft and warming texture.
Reheating in the Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual servings in the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Serving with Fresh Vanilla Ice Cream: After reheating, serve the bread pudding with a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm bread pudding with cold ice cream enhances the dessert’s flavors and textures.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of brioche?
A: Yes, you can use other types of bread like challah, French bread, or even a sturdy white bread. However, brioche is recommended for its rich, buttery texture, which enhances the overall flavor and softness of the pudding.
Q: How do I make the homemade apple pie filling?
A: To make the apple pie filling, cook peeled and sliced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, apple ie spice, and a bit of butter until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. This filling adds a delicious, spiced flavor to the bread pudding.
Q: Can I prepare the bread pudding ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the bread pudding ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the custard to soak into the bread, making the pudding even more flavorful and moist.
Q: How do I know when the bread pudding is done baking?
A: The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I freeze leftover bread pudding?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover bread pudding. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat bread pudding?
A: The best way to reheat bread pudding is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the pudding with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For a quick option, reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Q: Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of homemade?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time. However, homemade apple pie filling allows you to control the sweetness and spice level, making the bread pudding more personalized and flavorful.
Q: How should I store leftover bread pudding?
A: Store leftover bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I add additional spices to the custard?
A: Absolutely! You can add extra spices like nutmeg, allspice, or a pinch of cloves to the custard mixture to enhance the flavor and complement the apple pie filling.
Q: Should I serve the bread pudding warm or cold?
A: Bread pudding is best served warm, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warmth of the pudding enhances the flavors and creates a comforting, cozy dessert experience.
Check out my other apple recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try this apple pie bread pudding. Happy baking!
