Craving something sweet, cozy, and totally comforting? This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts — warm apple pie and rich bread pudding. Loaded with tender apples, sweet raisins, and warm spices, then topped with a buttery caramel sauce, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This dish is ideal for fall, holidays, or whenever you need a dose of nostalgic flavor. And the best part? It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bakes up golden and puffed with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping. If you love our Cinnamon Apple Crisp or Southern Peach Cobbler, you’ll definitely want to make room for this on your table.
What is Apple Pie Bread Pudding?
Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a baked dish made with cubes of bread soaked in a spiced custard, mixed with chopped apples and raisins, and baked until golden and puffed. It’s like apple pie meets French toast — soft inside, crunchy on top, and dripping with a homemade caramel sauce. As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and this dessert delivers pure, warm love in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe
Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, soft, and spiced just right — it tastes like a cozy hug.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving breakfast or dessert, or for feeding a crowd during brunch.
Easy Make-Ahead: Prepare it the night before and bake in the morning. It gets even better overnight!
If you’ve enjoyed our Pumpkin Bread Pudding, this apple variation brings a tart-sweet twist you’ll absolutely adore.
How to Make Apple Pie Bread Pudding
Quick Overview
This recipe uses basic ingredients like milk, yogurt, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and apples. It’s baked until golden and topped with a dreamy caramel sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 8 cups bread, cubed (preferably dry or day-old)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp (divided)
- 1/2 cup raisins
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, eggs, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Add Apples & Bread: Stir in chopped apples and raisins. Gently fold in bread cubes until well combined. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Cinnamon Sugar: Mix remaining 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30–40 minutes until puffed, golden brown, and set.
- Make the Sauce: While baking, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm sauce over individual servings. Top with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
What to Serve with Apple Pie Bread Pudding
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Hot apple cider or spiced chai latte
- Fresh fruit or cinnamon apples
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
Top Tips for the Best Bread Pudding
- Dry Out the Bread: Let bread cubes sit out for a few hours or bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until dry but not toasted.
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smiths work great to balance the sweetness.
- Prep Ahead: Mix it up the night before and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for best flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 300°F until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk and yogurt?
Yes, almond or oat milk and dairy-free yogurt work well.
Do I have to use raisins?
Not at all — they’re optional. You can substitute dried cranberries or leave them out.
What kind of bread works best?
Brioche, challah, or French bread are great for their texture and flavor.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely! It’s so good, you might want to.
Conclusion
Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a heartwarming dessert that brings together all the flavors of fall in one easy-to-make dish. With soft apples, cinnamon spice, and a decadent caramel sauce, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
- For the Pudding:
- 8 cups bread, cubed (preferably dry or day-old)
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp cinnamon (divided)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp (divided)
- 1/2 cup raisins
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, milk, eggs, 1 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Add chopped apples and raisins. Fold in the bread cubes until evenly coated. Pour into the baking dish.
- Mix remaining 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer 5 minutes.
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual servings. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Best with tart apples like Granny Smith. Can be made ahead and baked the next morning. Sauce can be doubled for extra indulgence.