Salted Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

 

Salted Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Salted Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is the cozy, heartwarming dessert that feels like a hug on a cool evening. Made with soft brioche or challah soaked in a creamy custard, layered with warmly spiced apples, and finished with a luscious salted caramel sauce, this dessert is the perfect marriage of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply a treat-yourself moment, this bread pudding delivers every single time.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding

• 6 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best)

• 4 eggs

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing apples)

• Pinch of salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons butter, cubed

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread

The key to great bread pudding is slightly dry bread—it soaks the custard beautifully without turning mushy. If your bread is fresh, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until lightly crisp. Let cool.

2. Cook the Apples

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, along with a spoonful of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is fully incorporated and smooth. This creamy custard will soak into the bread and give the pudding its signature texture.

4. Combine Everything

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter. Add the bread cubes and scatter the cooked apples evenly throughout. Pour the custard mixture over the top, gently pressing the bread down to ensure it absorbs the liquid. Let the mixture rest for at least 20 minutes—this step makes the pudding rich and custardy from the inside out.

5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread pudding for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp while the inside remains soft and custard-like. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.

6. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the caramel:

Add the sugar to a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to melt without stirring, swirling the pan occasionally.

Once the sugar turns a deep amber color, add the butter and whisk carefully—it will bubble intensely.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking until smooth.

Add sea salt and mix again. Let it cool slightly to thicken.

 
7. Serve

Once the bread pudding is baked, let it rest for 10 minutes. Pour warm salted caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to soak into the crevices. Serve individual portions with extra caramel on the side. For an elevated experience, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Final Thought

Salted Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is the kind of dessert that instantly makes any meal feel special. It brings together soft custard-soaked bread, tender apples, and that irresistibly rich caramel drizzle into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re serving it warm on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers with your morning coffee, it’s a recipe that always satisfies.

Tips

• Best bread: Brioche or challah works wonderfully, but croissants make it extra decadent.

• Apple choice: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.

• Make ahead: Assemble the pudding the night before and bake the next day.

• Caramel shortcut: Store-bought caramel works fine—just warm it and add a sprinkle of sea salt.

• Texture control: For a firmer pudding, bake 5–10 minutes longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream

• Cinnamon whipped cream

• Fresh apple slices caramelized in butter

• A drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce

Enjoy your meal! 🍎✨