Name: Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 8 cups Bread, cubed (preferably dry or day-old); 3 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped ((about 2 cups)); 4 large Eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten; 1 cup Vanilla yogurt ((plain or vanilla)); 1 cup Milk ((whole or 2%)); 2 tsp Cinnamon, divided ((1 tsp for custard, 1 tsp for topping)); 1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ground; 1/2 cup Sugar, granulated ((for custard)); 2 tbsp Sugar, granulated ((for topping)); 1/2 cup Raisins ((optional; plump slightly in warm water if desired)); 1 cup Unsalted butter ((divided; use 2–3 tbsp melted in custard if preferred and the rest for sauce)); 1 cup Heavy cream ((for caramel sauce)); 1 cup Brown sugar ((for caramel sauce))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, warmly spiced, and studded with juicy apple bites, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding is comfort food at its finest. It takes the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie and transforms them into a custardy, bread-forward dessert that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a weekend treat. Did you know bread pudding was originally a way to use up stale bread while still creating something indulgent? That scrappy origin makes this recipe both thrifty and delicious.

If you enjoy familiar fall flavors with minimal fuss, you’ll love how quickly this comes together. For another twist on similar flavors, check out this take on Apple Pie Bread Pudding which explores a slightly different method and presentation. This version is straightforward, family-friendly, and ideal for home cooks who want big taste with simple steps. Read on — your oven (and everyone at the table) will thank you.

What is Apple Pie Bread Pudding?

What happens when apple pie and bread pudding decide to be best friends? Apple Pie Bread Pudding, of course! Think: soft, custardy bread soaked in a cinnamon-scented milk base, mixed with tender apple pieces and raisins, then baked until golden on top. Curious where the name came from? Maybe someone thought, why limit these apples and warm spices to a crust when they can cozy up to bread instead?

Is it pie? Not exactly. Is it bread pudding? Absolutely. But it borrows all the comforting pie vibes — apple, cinnamon, brown sugar — which might explain the name. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Try it and decide whether it’s more pie or more pudding — either way, you’ll want seconds. Give this recipe a go and see why it’s a house favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

This dessert wins hearts for three big reasons:

Nostalgic, comforting flavor: The apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar create that warm, bakery-like aroma and taste that feels like a hug on a plate.
Economical and resourceful: Made with day-old bread and pantry staples, this recipe saves money and reduces waste while delivering a luxurious finish.
Versatile toppings and textures: A rich caramel sauce and optional vanilla ice cream add creaminess and contrast with a slightly crisp top for full sensory delight.

If you like the nutty crunch and gooey filling of a pecan-topped dessert, try the pecan pie bread pudding for a different texture and flavor profile. Ready to bake? This one is easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for guests — go make it!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is simple: cube day-old bread, toss it with a spiced custard and apple mixture, bake until puffed and golden, and finish with a warm caramel sauce. Preparation is quick, the texture is creamy with a slightly crisp top, and the standout is the buttery brown sugar caramel you drizzle over warm slices. Total time is about 15 minutes prep and 30–40 minutes baking.

Ingredients

8 cups bread, cubed (preferably dry or day-old)
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 2 cups)
4 eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup vanilla yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1 cup milk, whole or 2%
2 tsp cinnamon, divided (1 tsp for custard, 1 tsp for topping)
1/2 tsp nutmeg, ground
1/2 cup sugar, granulated (for custard)
2 tbsp sugar, granulated (for topping)
1/2 cup raisins (optional; plump slightly in warm water if desired)
1 cup unsalted butter, divided (use 2–3 tbsp melted in custard if preferred and the rest for sauce)
1 cup heavy cream (for caramel sauce)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel sauce)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the pudding won’t stick.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, milk, eggs, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and well combined. If your butter is melted into the custard, whisk it in now; otherwise it will be used in the sauce.
Add the chopped apples and raisins to the custard. Fold in the bread cubes gently until the bread is evenly coated and beginning to soak up the liquid. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow absorption.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer so the top will brown uniformly.
Mix the remaining 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top of the pudding. This creates a lightly sweet, spiced crust as it bakes.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the pudding is puffed, set in the center, and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Meanwhile, make the caramel sauce: in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and keep warm.
When the pudding is done, let it cool for 5–10 minutes, then drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual servings. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

What to Serve With

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for cooling creaminess
Warm caramel or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness
A simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance richness if serving after a heavy meal
Spiced tea, coffee, or a warm apple cider to echo the flavors

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use day-old bread for best texture: slightly dry bread soaks without becoming mushy.
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a pleasant bite and balanced sweetness.
Don’t over-soak: let the bread absorb the custard for only a few minutes before baking.
For a boozy twist, soak raisins in rum or brandy for 10 minutes before mixing.
Watch baking time: ovens vary — start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the center.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the caramel by 1/4 cup.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat single portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds until warm, or in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes for a more even reheating that preserves the texture. Add extra warm caramel or a scoop of ice cream before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bread or does it need to be day-old?
Fresh bread can be used, but slightly stale or day-old bread is preferred because it absorbs custard without turning soggy. If using fresh bread, dry cubes in a low oven for 10 minutes.

What apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape and provide a nice tart-sweet contrast to the custard and caramel.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the pudding, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from chilled; you may need an additional 5–10 minutes of baking time.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream, a dairy-free yogurt for vanilla yogurt, and a plant-based butter for the sauce. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the top from burning while the middle cooks?
If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking until the center is set.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is an easy, comforting dessert that turns simple pantry ingredients into something spectacular. It’s forgiving for beginners, economical, and full of the warm spices and sweet caramel sauce that make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your family, this recipe delivers creamy texture and cozy flavor with minimal effort. For a different take or inspiration, you can compare techniques with the original Apple Pie Bread Pudding recipe and adapt ideas you like. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the compliments that follow.