Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

If you are a fan of cozy, nostalgic flavors wrapped in a warm, comforting dessert, this Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine tender cubes of French bread soaked in a luscious custard bursting with apple pie filling, cinnamon, and caramel. Topped with a crunchy, buttery granola and brown sugar crumble, each bite is a perfect harmony of soft, gooey, and crisp textures. This dessert takes the classic apple pie experience and transforms it into a decadent, crowd-pleasing bread pudding that’s oh so easy to make but unforgettable in flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one adds a unique touch—bread forms the base, apple pie filling delivers that beloved fruity sweetness, and the caramel sauce brings a silky richness that makes this bread pudding irresistible.

• French bread (10 cups cubed): The sturdy texture soaks up the custard without turning mushy, offering the perfect bread pudding foundation.
• Apple pie filling (14 ounces): Adds juicy, spiced apples that define the apple pie flavor we all love.
• Large eggs (4): Bind the custard together, providing creaminess and structure.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Enriches the custard, making it luxuriously smooth.
• Apple cider (1 cup): Enhances the apple notes with a fresh, tangy brightness.
• Caramel sauce (3 tablespoons): A sweet, buttery addition that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor and adds warmth.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The essential spice that gives this dish its comforting, spicy aroma.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Mixed with the topping, it creates a crunchy, golden crust.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds caramel notes and sweetness, especially in the topping.
• Granola (½ cup): Gives a delightful crunch and texture contrast on top.
• Vanilla ice cream (optional): The perfect cool and creamy finish when served warm.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Bread Layers

Start by giving your 9×13-inch baking pan a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze. Then, lay down a single layer of those beautiful cubed French bread pieces. This bottom layer soaks up all the custardy goodness later and creates a sturdy base for the dessert.

Step 2: Add the Apple Pie Filling

Take a knife and cut up the apple pie filling while it’s still in the can—don’t worry about making it perfect. Spoon the chunky apple mixture evenly over the bread layer. These soft, cinnamon-spiced apples infuse every bite with classic pie flavor that sets this bread pudding apart.

Step 3: Top With More Bread and Pack Tightly

Place another layer of cubed bread over the apples, pressing gently but firmly. This seals in the filling and ensures every bite gets a bit of everything—bread, apple, and custard all mingling together.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, apple cider, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and thoroughly combined. This custard is the heart of the pudding—rich, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

Step 5: Pour Custard Over the Bread

Pour this luscious custard mixture evenly over the packed bread and apple layers. The bread will soak up all that flavor magic, turning soft and creamy during baking.

Step 6: Chill Before Baking

Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or, even better, overnight. This step lets the bread absorb the custard completely, making the pudding delightfully moist with every bite.

Step 7: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

When it’s time to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and let the pudding rest at room temperature. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granola for the topping. This adds a satisfying crunch and caramelized sweetness that contrasts the soft pudding beautifully.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden and Set

Spread the buttery topping evenly over the pudding and bake for 40-50 minutes. You want the bread perfectly toasted and the custard fully set—but still delightfully creamy inside.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. The cool ice cream, sweet caramel, and spicy apples create a comforting, irresistible dessert experience that’s perfect any time of year.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

A drizzle of extra caramel sauce makes an elegant finishing touch, while a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar also brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something else, consider a delicate cup of spiced chai or a robust cup of coffee to complement the sweets. A light salad with citrus notes balances the richness, rounding out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, bake the bread pudding in individual ramekins for portion-controlled servings that look stunning on the table. You can also layer this pudding in a trifle glass, cycling bread, apple filling, and custard for a visually impressive dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days without losing its delicious texture or flavor.

Freezing

This Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen bread pudding lasts up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake at 325°F until heated through and bubbling around the edges. If desired, add a fresh drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to bring back the dessert’s fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! While French bread works best for texture and absorption, you can also use brioche or challah for a richer, slightly sweeter pudding. Avoid breads that are too soft or pre-sliced sandwich bread as they may become too mushy.

Do I have to use canned apple pie filling?

Canned apple pie filling is convenient and delivers consistent flavor, but you can make your own by cooking peeled, sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until tender. Fresh apples add brightness and a homemade touch.

Is the caramel sauce necessary?

Caramel sauce adds a lovely depth of sweetness and a silky texture that lifts this bread pudding above the ordinary. If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce it slightly but don’t skip it entirely—it’s a star ingredient.

Can I make this gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets, use a sturdy gluten-free bread that can soak up custard without falling apart, and make sure all other ingredients like granola are gluten-free certified.

How long does this dessert take to bake?

Bake until the top is golden and the custard is set, typically between 40 to 50 minutes. It’s important that the eggs are cooked through for safe and delicious results. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe combines the best flavors of fall into one incredible, easy dessert. Whether serving it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, the sweet apples, creamy custard, buttery topping, and that caramel kiss will fill your kitchen with warmth and smiles. Don’t wait to try it—you’ll be adding this to your favorites list in no time.

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