Who needs a pie crust when you have stale bread? Use it to make this easy and tasty caramel apple pie bread pudding a two-in-one dessert mash-up.
I had this caramel apple pie bread pudding on my to-do list for a while. I was missing the main ingredient – stale bread. We either polish off all the bread before it gets stale or we eat try to eat healthily and don’t buy any.
Is that a good reason for not making this yummy treat? No. But being lazy is. Finally, I got off my behind and bought a loaf of fresh bread. There is really no need to wait for the bread to get stale, but if you already have some this is one of the great ways to use it up. [Almost] nothing gets wasted in our household. Last time I had leftover bread I made bacon bread dumplings.
Apples and cinnamon in this bread pudding definitely say fall and cozy. If you prefer a crisp apple texture you could dice them, but I like to grate them. I’m lazy that way. You also don’t have to use the caramel sauce, but why wouldn't you? You’re a grown up and nobody's going to stop you.
Did you know there is a savory version of bread pudding? You'll love it! If you're sticking with a sweet version, then I just have another one for you. Delicious bread soufflé with candied fruit and raisins.
Ingredients:
- bread loaf
- butter
- apples
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- eggs
- half and half
- Pinch of salt
- Powder sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce (from the jar or your favorite recipe)
How to make it:
- Cut the bread into slices. If slices are too large, cut them in half. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven on broiler setting for about two minutes on each side, or until they are crisp and golden brown in color. Please note that oven temperatures vary. My broiler heats at 550 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Meanwhile, melt one tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the grated apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté until apples slightly soften about 4 minutes. Let cool.
In a large bowl mix the eggs, half &half, salt, and the remaining sugar. Fold in the apple mixture. Add the toasted bread slices and soak for 10-15 minutes. - Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Using the remaining butter, grease a 10 inch round or square baking dish. Layer bread slices but don’t worry about placing them in neatly. You want some uneven height. Those pieces will be crispier and create a wonderful contrast to the soft middle. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread.
- Bake for 45 minutes. To serve, dust with powder sugar, and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Caramel Apple Pie Bread Pudding
EQUIPMENT
- Skillet
- Baking sheet and dish
Ingredients
- 1 bread loaf, about 1 lb
- 2 tablespoon butter, divided
- 2 large apples, grated
- ½ c brown sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups half and half
- Pinch of salt
- Powder sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce, from the jar or your favorite recipe
Instructions
- Cut the bread into slices. If slices are too large, cut them in half. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven on broiler setting for about two minutes on each side, or until they are crisp and golden brown in color. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Meanwhile, melt one tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the grated apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sauté until apples slightly soften about 4 minutes. Let cool.
- In a large bowl mix the eggs, half &half, salt, and the remaining sugar. Fold in the apple mixture. Add the toasted bread slices and soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Using the remaining butter, grease a 10 inch round or square baking dish. Layer bread slices. Pour the remaining egg mixture over the bread.
- Bake for 45 minutes. To serve, dust with powder sugar and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Video
Notes
- Don’t worry about placing bread slices into the baking dish neatly. You want some uneven height. Those pieces will be crispier and create a wonderful contrast to the soft middle.
- Please note that oven temperatures vary. My broiler heats at 550 degrees F.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I've never been a huge fan of bread pudding, but this one looks totally amazing - I think I have to try this! Thanks for sharing on the What's for Dinner linky
Jas says
Thank you, Helen! The beauty of it is that you can customize it any way you want 🙂
Teresa says
I thought you did a fantastic job on your video. I would never have known it was your first (a plunge I haven't taken yet!). I love bread pudding, without raisins I might add, and this looks and sounds delicious.
Jas says
Thank you, Teresa! It was a long process to film it and a huge learning curve to create a video. Definitely not something I have time or help to do more often 🙂
Kirsten says
This looks fabulous! I love caramel apples and I love apple pie. I imagine both of them together is all kinds of amazing. Pinned this for later. Stopping by from SITS.
Jas says
Thank you so much, Kristen! Thanks for stopping in too 😀
Theresa says
Looks so good! Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Shared.
Jas says
Thank you, Theresa! 🙂
ZazaCook says
What a wonderful dessert! Looks so delicious! Thanks for the video:)
Jas says
Simplicity at its best! Thanks for visiting 😀
Pili says
I have never tried that pudding but it really looks delicious! Thanks for sharing it with us at Sweet Inspiration, have a wonderful week!!
Jas says
Thanks, Pili! Next time you have leftover bread, try it! It's great for Sunday brunch or a dessert 🙂
Quinn Caudill says
I love all kinds of bread pudding and this sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us at Throwback Thursday! Pinned and shared!
Jas says
Thank you, Quinn! Have a great week 🙂
Katrin says
Yum yum yum Jas! You make the most amazing treats! I know I love this because apple and cinnamon are calling my name every year this time around! And your beautiful photography just makes it even better!
Jas says
Thanks for your kindness, Katrin! 😀
Maria says
This is such a delicious recipe! I love apples and its the perfect recipe.
Maria
Jas says
Thank you, Maria! Hope your day is full of blessings!
Ann says
You.are.the.Queen.of.Leftovers. 😀
Ok I know you said this comes from fresh bread, but using leftover bread (or anything leftover) always makes room for creativity.! I love bread pudding and they can be so good. But I also understand that having leftover bread is hard or just doesn't happen...we are the same. They get finished pretty quickly! Especially since we move to Holland where bread is the staple! And I'm trying so hard to stay away from bread... 🙁
Jas says
I know, right? I grew up eating bread with everything but back then nothing was GMO. Sigh...
Bam's Kitchen says
There is nothing like a cozy serving of bread pudding to put a smile on everyone's face. I love the fact that you toasted the bread first so that you have a nice contrast between toasty and tender. Well of course, the caramel sauce is a must!!! You are on a roll and now I am having a hard time trying all of your recipes at home before you publish a new one. Sharing everywhere!
Jas says
Thank you, Bobbi! It really is comfort food, although, I gotta watch how much of it I eat or I'll be looking for more comfortable clothes, lol.