Apple Bliss Bread Pudding
Apple Bliss Bread Pudding is a dessert that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and comfort. Imagine cozy autumn evenings wrapped in a blanket, the aroma of baked apples and spices wafting through your home. This dessert encapsulates those feelings with every bite. Its versatility suits any occasion, from a quiet family dinner to a festive holiday gathering. Offering a delightful harmony of sweet apples, subtle spices, and soft bread immersed in a creamy custard, this pudding not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also warms your soul.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- Bread: 5 cups day-old bread, cubed, is best for absorbing the custard.
- Apples: 2 large apples, peeled and diced, to provide sweet and tangy undertones.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs, essential for creating the custard base.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk to ensure creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup adds a richer texture.
- Sugar: 1 cup balances the tartness of the apples.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, the quintessential spice for apple desserts.
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon adds warmth and complexity.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavors.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted, for richness on top.
Instructions
Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking.
Mix Bread and Apples
In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and diced apples. Toss them gently to ensure even distribution. This ensures every bite is filled with a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Create the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fully integrated.
Combine Ingredients
Pour the egg mixture over the bread and apple mix. Fold gently to ensure that all the bread cubes are soaked, and the apples are well distributed. Let it sit for about 15 minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid thoroughly.
Add Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the pudding mixture for added richness. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into warm pieces. You can serve it as it is, or elevate the experience by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting it melt over the warm pudding.
Notes
Bread Choices Matter
The type of bread you use can greatly affect the texture of your pudding. Day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too mushy. French bread or Italian bread is highly recommended, though brioche or challah can add a richer taste. Avoid using soft, sandwich bread, as it may disintegrate during baking.
Apple Varieties
Choose apples that maintain a firm texture while cooking, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. These varieties will provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness, offering a layered taste profile. Avoid overly soft apples which might become mush during the cooking process, diminishing the pudding’s texture.
Customizing Spice Levels
Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, you can add ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a unique twist. Remember that spices can intensify once baked, so add gradually to ensure they don’t overwhelm the dish.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or rewarm in a low-temperature oven until heated through. The pudding retains its flavor well and makes an excellent leftover dessert choice.
Find it online: https://www.chyachya.com/apple-bliss-bread-pudding/