Name: Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16 ounce loaf brioche or challah bread; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, chopped ¼-inch; 2/3 cup chopped walnuts; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 5 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 cup applesauce (regular, not unsweetened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 3/4 cups milk; 1 3/4 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons Danish Creamery Butter cubed; 12 tablespoons Danish Creamery Butter; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm, comforting dessert that feels like it hugs you from the inside. The Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe is exactly that—a luscious blend of soft bread, tart apples, warm spices, and a rich caramel drizzle that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

This image shows a close-up of a golden metal serving spoon lifting a portion of bread pudding from a white baking dish. The bread pudding has three main layers: a top crust that is slightly crispy and golden brown, a middle layer with soft, chunky bread pieces in light brown color, and dark brown raisins scattered throughout. A glossy, light caramel sauce is drizzled over the top, giving the bread pudding a sticky and moist look. The white baking dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe has a sweet spot in my kitchen because it combines textures and flavors in a way that always feels special. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekend treat. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means you get more time enjoying and less stressing!

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tartness of Granny Smith apples brightens the rich custard and toasted bread, creating a flavor harmony you’ll savor.
Textural Variety: Soft bread pudding, crunchy walnuts, and chewy dried cranberries make every bite interesting.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep parts of the recipe ahead, making it convenient for any schedule.
Decadent Caramel Sauce: The silky caramel glaze brings this dessert to a whole new level—trust me, don’t skip it!

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dish shines because each ingredient plays its part: the bread absorbs the custard perfectly, apples provide freshness, and the caramel adds that irresistible finishing touch. Grab the best-quality ingredients you can find, especially for the bread and caramel butter, to really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a loaf of brioche bread with golden crust cut into cubes, three peeled and chopped green Granny Smith apples, a small pile of chopped walnuts, a handful of deep red dried cranberries, five whole brown eggs with clean shells, one small white ceramic bowl of smooth applesauce, one small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar, one small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar, one small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, one small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, and smaller white ceramic bowls each holding ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cardamom, and salt, a few cubes of pale yellow Danish Creamery butter arranged neatly, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads have a tender crumb and slight sweetness that soak up the custard without falling apart.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness cuts through the richness and keeps the pudding balanced.
Chopped Walnuts: Add a crunchy contrast to the soft texture and complement the apple’s flavor.
Dried Cranberries: Bring a chewiness and subtle tart sweetness that works beautifully here.
Eggs and Egg Yolk: Form the backbone of the custard, setting the pudding without making it rubbery.
Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the custard silky.
Granulated and Brown Sugar: A mix that balances sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
Milk and Heavy Cream: These enrich the custard ensuring it’s creamy and luscious.
Vanilla Extract & Warm Spices: Classic warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom layer complexity and cozy aromas.
Danish Creamery Butter: Used in custard topping and caramel sauce, giving the pudding a silky richness and flavor depth.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe pretty classic, but there are so many ways you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Adding a little bourbon or rum to the custard is one of my indulgent favorites when I want an adult twist.

Variation: Swap walnuts for pecans or add toasted pecans on top — I’ve made it both ways and love how pecans bring a buttery crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and a plant-based butter substitute; it still tastes amazing with the caramel sauce.
Seasonal Swap: Try swapping apples for pears in autumn or even add in some cooked pumpkin puree for a fall vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Start by cutting your brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes. You want the bread dried out but not crunchy—it soaks up the custard better this way. This step really makes the texture of the pudding stand out.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

While the bread is toasting, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, applesauce, sugars, milk, cream, vanilla, spices, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. This custard is the heart of the dish, so make sure it’s well combined but don’t overbeat—you want silky smoothness, not bubbles.

Step 3: Combine Bread, Apples, Nuts, and Fruit

In a large bowl, toss together the toasted bread cubes, chopped Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Then, transfer this mixture into your greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the custard over it and gently press the bread down to fully soak up the liquid, using your hands if needed. Let the dish rest for about 15 minutes—the custard needs time to really soak in.

Step 4: Add Butter and Bake

Distribute the cubed Danish creamery butter evenly over the top. Pop it into the oven and bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes. The edges will look golden and set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the pudding bakes and cools, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and add vanilla. The caramel is heavenly drizzled warm over the bread pudding—trust me, it’s the best part!

Top Tip

As someone who’s baked quite a few bread puddings, I’ve learned that patience and quality ingredients make all the difference. Here are a few tips that’ll help your Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe turn out perfectly every time.

Toast the Bread Well: Don’t skip this step—dry bread soaks up the custard instead of turning mushy.
Resting is Key: Let the custard soak into the bread for at least 15 minutes; it makes the pudding more flavorful and moist.
Even Butter Distribution: Dot the chopped butter across the top so you get rich pockets throughout the bake.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different. Start checking at 45 minutes with a toothpick and avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe

apple bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream because, why not? The silky cold cream alongside warm pudding makes every bite divine.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a dessert in itself, but if you’re serving it at a brunch, I love pairing it with crispy bacon or a breakfast sausage for a savory balance. Or, simply offer some fresh fruit on the side to keep things light.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe in individual ramekins for dinner parties, which makes it feel extra special. Another favorite is layering in a trifle bowl with extra caramel and whipped cream for a gorgeous, shareable dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover leftover bread pudding tightly and toss it in the fridge. It keeps well for 4-5 days—just bring it back to room temp or reheat gently before diving in. Sometimes, the flavors even improve overnight!

Freezing

If I’m making this ahead for a party or just don’t want waste, I let it cool completely, wrap it several times in plastic wrap and foil, and pop it in the freezer. It freezes beautifully for up to three months. I usually thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave works fine for quick reheating—30 seconds plus short bursts until warm. For the best texture, I wrap it in foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for 10-20 minutes depending on how much you have. This keeps the bread pudding moist without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for the bread pudding?

Absolutely! While brioche or challah are best for their soft crumb and slight sweetness, you can also use French bread or even a sturdy white bread. Avoid super dense or whole-grain breads as they may not absorb the custard as well.

How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?

The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs—not wet custard. Also, the edges will look set and lightly golden. If it jiggles too much or the custard looks wet, it needs more time.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the caramel sauce can be made up to several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently rewarm it on the stove, adding a little heavy cream if it’s thickened too much.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or your preferred plant-based milk and butter alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but it still turns out delicious. Be sure to adjust the caramel sauce using dairy-free butter and cream substitutes as well.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite ways to bring simple, homey ingredients together into something truly delicious. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and outright cozy—the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, just like I do. Trust me, once you get that first bite with the buttery caramel drizzled on top, you’ll be hooked!