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Ultimate Caramel Apple Bread Pudding with Cinnamon Glaze

Close-up of a moist slice of apple bread pudding generously drizzled with rich caramel sauce.

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Make this Ultimate Caramel Apple Bread Pudding featuring tender apples, rich custard, and a homemade cinnamon caramel glaze. This easy bread pudding recipe delivers cozy, indulgent comfort perfect for fall or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 1 pound) day-old bread (Challah or French bread works best), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for apples)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Cinnamon Caramel Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Toss the diced apples with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of brown sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Arrange the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the seasoned apples over the bread.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup granulated sugar, eggs, milk, 1 cup heavy cream, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This creates your rich custard base.
  5. Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down gently to help the bread absorb the liquid.
  6. Let the bread pudding soak for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for a moister result.
  7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
  8. While the pudding bakes, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the 1 cup brown sugar until dissolved. Bring to a gentle boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
  9. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully whisk in the 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  10. Remove the bread pudding from the oven. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top.
  11. Serve the apple bread pudding warm.

Notes

  • Using day-old or slightly stale bread ensures the best texture; it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
  • You can prepare the entire bread pudding, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • For an apple pie flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice to the custard mixture.

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