The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, my grandmother taught me how to make desserts that warm both the heart and home. One of my favorites was bread pudding simple, rustic, and always full of love.
When I moved into my own kitchen, I decided to give this old-fashioned treat a creative twist: Caramel Apple Bread Pudding. The idea came one autumn afternoon when the house smelled of apples and cinnamon, and the air felt cozy. I had a few slices of leftover bread and some apples that needed love, so I mixed them together, added a swirl of caramel, and something magical happened.
Now, this caramel apple bread pudding has become a family favorite. It’s soft and gooey on the inside, slightly crisp on top, and every bite feels like fall in Greece warm, sweet, and comforting. Whether you serve it after dinner or enjoy it with your morning coffee, this dessert makes every moment special.
If you love classic desserts with a twist, this recipe will win your heart. Let’s bake this comforting treat together! 🍏
🧺 Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
- 6 cups of day-old bread (brioche or challah works best), cubed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sautéing apples)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- A pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream 🍨
- A drizzle of caramel sauce 🍯
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar ✨
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and let them dry slightly. Day-old bread works best because it soaks up the custard beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and sauté until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon if you like a stronger spice flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the bread cubes and cooked apples into the custard mixture. Gently stir until every piece of bread is coated and soaked. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs all that creamy goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Bread Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set.
Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the pudding bakes, prepare your caramel. In a saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth amber color. Add the butter carefully it will bubble! Stir until melted, then slowly pour in the cream. Add a pinch of salt and stir until silky smooth.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the baked bread pudding. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is best served warm, fresh out of the oven. The sweetness of the caramel blends perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
Serve it as a comforting dessert after dinner, or as a weekend brunch treat. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle toasted pecans on top or add a scoop of ice cream that slowly melts into the warm pudding pure bliss!
💡 Tips & Tricks
✅ Use stale bread: Fresh bread becomes too mushy, so use day-old bread for the best texture.
✅ Add texture: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy surprise.
✅ Make ahead: You can assemble the pudding a few hours in advance, refrigerate it, and bake just before serving.
✅ Control sweetness: If you like a lighter dessert, reduce the caramel drizzle slightly or use less sugar in the custard.
🍰 Recipe Card
🕒 Time:
Prep: 20 mins ⏱️
Cook: 45 mins 🔥
Total: 1 hour 5 mins ⏳
🥣 Ingredients:
Bread, eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, apples, cinnamon, vanilla, butter, caramel ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cube bread and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté apples in butter until golden.
3️⃣ Mix custard ingredients, combine with bread and apples.
4️⃣ Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
5️⃣ Prepare caramel sauce and drizzle over top.
📝 Notes:
- For a lighter texture, use milk instead of cream.
- You can add raisins or cranberries for a holiday twist.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍎 Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: ~350
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 30g
❤️ Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is everything a cozy dessert should be warm, soft, sweet, and bursting with fall flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that makes the kitchen smell heavenly and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Whenever I bake this, I remember the joy of learning from my grandmother that the best dishes are made not just with ingredients, but with love and memories. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this dessert will make your heart (and home) feel full. 🍏💛
