Apple Bread Pudding Recipe That’s Warm, Custardy & Easy to Make

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This apple bread pudding recipe is a fall favorite that blends comfort and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re planning a cozy breakfast, an impressive brunch, or a soul-warming dessert, this dish delivers.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to make a foolproof apple bread pudding that’s crisp on top, custardy in the middle, and dripping with brown sugar bourbon sauce. You’ll also get helpful make-ahead tips, smart substitutions, and expert baking tricks to make it perfect every single time.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe for another cozy fall favorite.

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Why Apple Bread Pudding Is the Ultimate Fall Comfort Dessert

A nostalgic twist on classic bread pudding

Bread pudding has been around for centuries as a way to use up stale bread, but when you add tender apples, rich spices, and creamy custard, it becomes a whole new experience. This recipe elevates the traditional dessert into a fall masterpiece—crunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside. It’s like French toast casserole meets apple pie.

Best occasions to serve it: breakfast, brunch, or dessert

One of the best things about this apple bread pudding is its versatility. Serve it as:

• A make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings
• A standout brunch centerpiece with coffee or tea
• A crowd-pleasing dessert topped with ice cream or whipped cream

It also makes a great contribution to potlucks or Thanksgiving dinners. Plus, it feeds 10–12 people, making it ideal for gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients that shine: cinnamon, apples & brioche

What makes this dish undeniably fall-worthy is its cozy lineup of ingredients. Apples—especially firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith—hold their shape and add bright flavor. Cinnamon deepens the warmth, while rich brioche or challah bread creates that custard-like interior.

Check out Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream for another spin on baked apples.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread choices: brioche, challah, or what you have on hand

The bread you choose matters. Ideally, use slightly stale brioche or challah—they’re rich, eggy, and soak up the custard beautifully. But don’t worry if you only have sandwich bread or French bread on hand; just toast it first for better texture.

Best Breads for Bread Pudding	Texture
Brioche	Buttery and soft
Challah	Light, slightly sweet
French Bread	Crusty with chewy inside
Day-old White Bread	Mild, absorbs well

Choosing the best apples: crisp vs soft varieties

For best results, avoid apples that turn mushy when baked. Instead, go for crisp and tart options like:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Fuji
• Gala

These varieties hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the custard.

Don’t miss our Apple Crumb Cake Recipe if you love sturdy apples in baked goods.

Pantry staples that pull it all together

Besides bread and apples, the other ingredients are likely already in your kitchen:

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Unsalted butter
• A pinch of salt

These basics come together to form the base of a creamy, cinnamon-kissed custard that soaks into the bread and bakes into perfection.

Discover great ideas like Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars to pair with your pudding.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding Step-by-Step

Toasting bread cubes for better texture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. If your bread is already stale and slightly dry, you can skip this step. Otherwise, cube your bread and spread it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly toasted. This step prevents sogginess and helps the bread hold up against the custard.

Pro Tip: Dry bread soaks up custard better than fresh bread, giving your pudding that ideal soft-inside, crisp-top finish.

Cooking the apple filling with cinnamon and butter

While your bread is toasting, prepare the apple mixture. Peel and chop 3 large apples into small chunks. In a saucepan, combine the apples with brown sugar, unsalted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and syrupy—about 5 minutes.

You’re creating a flavorful apple compote that blends perfectly into the pudding and infuses it with autumn spice.

Learn more about sweet fall recipes with our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake.

Assembling the custard and layering the pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, 2½ cups whole milk, and ½ cup sugar. This creamy custard will soak into every bread cube and bind the entire pudding together.

Now grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add your toasted bread cubes, followed by the warm apple filling. Gently toss them together with a spatula so the apple mixture spreads evenly throughout.

Then, pour the egg-milk custard over the bread and apple mix. Let the dish rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking—this ensures the bread soaks up the liquid properly.

Baking tips to ensure a golden, custardy finish

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife or toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean.

If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Once done, let it cool slightly while you prepare the sauce—or dive in right away if you’re skipping the topping!

The Secret Sauce: Brown Sugar Bourbon Drizzle

Simple ingredients, major flavor impact

This sauce takes the pudding from comforting to unforgettable. All you need:

• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (optional but recommended)

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly. Add the cream and continue stirring for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Finally, add bourbon and let simmer for another minute. That’s it—warm, velvety bliss in under 5 minutes.

Alcohol-free substitutions that still taste amazing

Want to skip the bourbon? No problem. Try:

• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Apple cider

You’ll still get a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for drizzling over warm bread pudding.

Check out Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles if you’re into sauces and sweet fillings.

When and how to pour for best results

Pour the sauce over the entire pudding just before serving, or offer it on the side so each guest can add as much as they like. This keeps leftovers from getting soggy and makes it easier to store the sauce separately.

Don’t miss our Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes for another dessert that pairs well with rich sauces.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

Overnight prep for busy mornings or brunches

This apple bread pudding is perfect for prepping ahead. After assembling the dish, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, remove it from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 10–15 minutes while the oven preheats. Then bake as directed.

Store the sauce in a sealed container and reheat separately when ready to serve.

Looking for another make-ahead brunch idea? Try our Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats.

How to store leftovers for max freshness

• Store pudding in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Or refrigerate it for up to 4 days
• Keep the sauce in a separate container in the fridge

Best ways to reheat without drying out

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 1 minute
• Reheat sauce in a saucepan or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm

Smart Substitutions & Flavor Variations

Using pears, cranberries, or raisins

While apples are the star of this bread pudding, you can easily swap or mix them with:

• Pears: For a softer, mellow flavor
• Dried cranberries: Add tang and chewiness
• Golden raisins: A touch of natural sweetness

These substitutions work well, especially around the holidays when seasonal produce and dried fruits are abundant.

Pro tip: Rehydrate dried fruits in warm water or bourbon for 10 minutes before mixing them in for extra juiciness.

Making it dairy-free or gluten-free

Want to accommodate dietary needs? Here’s how:

• Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and plant-based butter
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread, but toast it slightly longer to avoid mushiness

You can also use coconut milk for a hint of tropical flavor, but expect a richer custard texture.

Turning it into a savory dish (yes, really!)

Bread pudding doesn’t always have to be sweet. You can ditch the sugar and cinnamon and turn this recipe into a savory brunch bake by using:

• Sautéed onions, mushrooms, and spinach
• Shredded cheese
• Herbs like thyme and sage

It’s a whole new way to use leftover bread and turn it into something extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Bread Pudding

Conclusion: Bake Apple Bread Pudding Once, Crave It Forever

This apple bread pudding is more than a dessert—it’s a heartwarming dish that brings cozy comfort with every bite. From its crisp top to its custardy middle and that indulgent bourbon sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll revisit all fall and winter long.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch or dessert, it’s guaranteed to earn you compliments and empty plates. And with make-ahead options and easy substitutions, it’s as flexible as it is delicious.

Don’t miss our Easy Apricot Buckle Recipe if you’re craving more fruit-forward bakes.

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