Apple Bread Pudding: The Best Fall Recipe You’ll Ever Try

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Apple bread pudding is the kind of dessert that warms both the kitchen and the soul. With tender cinnamon-spiced apples, custard-soaked cinnamon-raisin bread, and a golden, crisp top, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes for comfort food. Whether you’re planning a cozy fall brunch or need a simple-yet-sophisticated holiday dessert, this old-fashioned favorite brings a satisfying balance of flavor, texture, and nostalgia to the table.

Don’t miss our Caramel Apple Pie Bombs Recipe for another warm and gooey apple delight.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to master apple bread pudding, from ingredients to serving tips and tasty variations.

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Why Apple Bread Pudding is the Ultimate Fall Dessert

Warm Flavors That Celebrate the Season

Apple bread pudding captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Cinnamon, apples, and rich baked custard come together for a soul-soothing dish that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a warm drink. The sweetness of sautéed apples paired with hints of spice from the bread and custard transforms this humble dish into something magical.

It’s the perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering—and yes, it smells as good as it tastes while baking.

A Timeless Dessert with Rich History

Bread pudding dates back to 11th-century England when resourceful cooks used stale bread and soaked it in sweetened liquids to create a budget-friendly dessert. Over time, it evolved from “poor man’s pudding” into a custard-based delicacy. Early American settlers brought this tradition with them, and today, it remains a nostalgic dessert for many families across the country.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Old-Fashioned Martha Washington Candy for another vintage-style treat.

Perfect for Brunch, Holidays, or Anytime Treats

What makes apple bread pudding so versatile is that it straddles both breakfast and dessert beautifully. Serve it warm in the morning with coffee, or top it with whipped cream and apple brandy sauce for an elegant after-dinner dessert.

This flexibility makes it ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday potlucks, or even a cozy Sunday morning with family.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Bread Pudding

The Star Players: Apples and Cinnamon-Raisin Bread

To get the best flavor and texture, start with firm apples—like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape during baking and bring a nice balance of sweet and tart. Combine them with cubed cinnamon-raisin bread, which soaks up the custard beautifully and adds extra warmth and sweetness.

You can also substitute with brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer twist.

Discover great ideas like our Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe if you’re into spiced bakes.

Custard Base Essentials: Cream, Eggs, Sugar

The rich custard is what binds everything together. Heavy cream creates a luscious texture, while eggs (plus an extra yolk) give structure. Granulated sugar keeps it sweet, but light brown sugar adds depth if you prefer a hint of caramel flavor.

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon infuses the custard with that unmistakable fall spice.

Optional Toppings and Variations

Want to take your bread pudding to the next level? Try adding:

Sautéed apples on top for extra fruitiness
Apple brandy crème anglaise for a grown-up drizzle
Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Check out our Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe to enhance the flavor even more.

How to Make the Best Apple Bread Pudding

Prepping the Bread and Apples

Start by cutting your cinnamon-raisin bread into 1-inch cubes and letting them sit out to slightly dry—it helps them soak up the custard without turning mushy. Meanwhile, sauté your apples in butter for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Don’t miss our Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe if you love cooking with apples!

Creating a Rich Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, yolk, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Then gently fold in the bread cubes and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Add the cooked apples and stir again gently.

Use turbinado sugar in your buttered baking dish before pouring the mixture in—it creates that irresistible crunchy edge.

Baking It to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F. After pouring the mixture into the dish, sprinkle with remaining turbinado sugar. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and just set in the center.

Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. It tastes amazing warm, especially with a drizzle of sauce.

Tips to Elevate Your Bread Pudding Game

Best Apples to Use for Flavor and Texture

Not all apples bake the same. For the best results, choose firm, flavorful apples like:

Apple Variety	Texture	Flavor Profile
Honeycrisp	Crisp	Sweet-Tart
Granny Smith	Firm	Tart
Fuji	Juicy	Very Sweet
Braeburn	Dense	Balanced

These hold their shape well during baking and offer the perfect balance to the rich custard base.

Why Turbinado Sugar Adds the Perfect Crunch

Turbinado sugar isn’t just a fancy option—it’s a game changer. With its large crystals and subtle molasses notes, it caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It adds a thin, crisp crust that contrasts with the soft, custardy interior.

If you don’t have turbinado sugar, light brown sugar is a good backup.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Advice

Apple bread pudding is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Here’s how to store it right:

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the pudding the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day.
Storing leftovers: Wrap slices in plastic or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze whole or in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

Looking for inspiration? Try our No-Bake Apple Cheesecake Recipe for a chilled apple treat.

Delicious Variations You Can Try

Bourbon or Brandy-Infused Sauce Options

To level up your dessert, drizzle it with a warm Apple Brandy Crème Anglaise or Bourbon Caramel Sauce. These add a gourmet finish and cut through the richness of the custard.

For a non-alcoholic twist, go with maple glaze or a simple vanilla sauce.

Nutty Additions: Pecans, Walnuts, or Almonds

Adding toasted nuts enhances the texture and offers a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with apples. Just toss a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the mixture before baking.

Savory Takes with Sharp Cheese and Herbs

Feeling adventurous? Some foodies are blending sweet and savory by adding:

Cubed sharp cheddar or blue cheese
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Caramelized onions

It’s not for everyone, but if you love bold contrasts, it’s worth a try.

FAQs About Apple Bread Pudding

Can I use different bread types in bread pudding?

Absolutely. Cinnamon-raisin bread is traditional, but challah, brioche, French bread, or even croissants work well. The key is a slightly stale texture to soak up the custard.

How do I keep bread pudding from getting soggy?

Let the bread soak for 5–10 minutes, and don’t overdo the custard. Also, bake uncovered to let steam escape. Always cool slightly before slicing.

Should I peel apples before baking?

You can go either way. Peeled apples blend into the custard better, but leaving the skins on adds texture and fiber. Just make sure to slice them thin if you keep the skins

Can I make it gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free bread and a dairy-free substitute like oat milk or coconut cream. Just be aware the texture may change slightly.

Final Thoughts on Apple Bread Pudding

Apple bread pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a celebration of seasonal flavors. From cozy breakfasts to elegant holiday dinners, this dish never fails to impress. With customizable ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make it—and love it.

Don’t miss our Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Muffins Recipe for another fall favorite that pairs perfectly with apple desserts.

And if you’re curious about food safety and storing baked goods, check out this USDA guide on safe food handling.

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