There’s something magical about the smell of apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting through the kitchen especially on a cool day when you crave something warm and sweet. I still remember the first time I made Caramel Apple Bread Pudding after visiting my grandmother’s farmhouse in Crete. She taught me that the simplest ingredients, when mixed with love, can create the most unforgettable desserts.
In Crete, apples aren’t as famous as olives or figs, but they still have a special place in our kitchen especially during fall. When I first baked this recipe, I combined the flavors of sweet baked apples with golden caramel and soft bread soaked in creamy custard. The result? A dessert that feels like a warm hug. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering, Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is always the star of the table.
💬 My Story
Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food — it’s about sharing stories and making memories. I’m excited to share my recipes with you and cook together!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a dreamy blend of soft, custardy bread, sweet apples, and a buttery caramel drizzle. It’s perfect for cozy nights or special occasions. You’ll love how it’s:
- 🍏 Comforting and nostalgic – tastes like apple pie and warm custard in one bite.
- 🥖 Budget-friendly – a great way to use up stale bread.
- 🍮 Versatile – serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or warm caramel sauce.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly – simple steps, no fancy tools needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups cubed day-old bread (brioche or challah work best)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for sautéing apples
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- Pinch of sea salt (optional for salted caramel)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and cook for about 5–7 minutes until they soften slightly and start to caramelize. Sprinkle in a little brown sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This rich custard base will soak into the bread, giving the pudding its signature creamy texture.
Step 3: Combine Bread and Apples
Place your cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Gently toss in the cooked apples. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, making sure every piece of bread gets soaked. Let it sit for about 20 minutes so the bread absorbs all the flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and custardy.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the pudding bakes, prepare your caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a deep amber liquid. Add the butter carefully (it will bubble up), then slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Stir until smooth and glossy. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the freshly baked bread pudding. For extra indulgence, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding shines on its own, but here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
- Add a drizzle of salted caramel for that sweet-salty balance.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy topping.
- Enjoy leftovers cold they taste like apple-caramel custard cake!
📝 Tips for Perfect Bread Pudding
- Use day-old bread: It absorbs custard better without turning soggy.
- Don’t rush soaking: Give the bread time to absorb the mixture before baking.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pudding, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day!
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
🍰 Recipe Card
| 🍽️ Recipe Type | Caramel Apple Bread Pudding |
|---|---|
| ⏰ Time | Prep: 20 min • Cook: 45 min • Total: 1 hr 5 min |
| 🧂 Ingredients | Bread, apples, eggs, milk, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, caramel sauce |
| 👩🍳 Instructions | 1️⃣ Sauté apples. 2️⃣ Make custard. 3️⃣ Combine with bread. 4️⃣ Bake until golden. 5️⃣ Drizzle caramel. |
| 📝 Notes | Use stale bread for best texture. Add nuts or raisins if desired. Perfect served warm! |
| 🧘 Nutrition (per serving) | Calories: ~320 • Protein: 6g • Carbs: 48g • Fat: 13g • Sugar: 34g |
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is more than just dessert it’s a comforting experience that fills your home with warmth and your heart with joy. Every bite brings together the sweetness of apples, the richness of caramel, and the cozy taste of baked custard. It’s one of those recipes that feels timeless, like something passed down through generations.
So, grab a spoon, drizzle that golden caramel, and let this simple yet stunning dessert remind you how beautiful homemade cooking can be. ❤️