Name: Apple Bread Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces crusty French stick.; 1 3/4 pounds sweet Gala apples.; 4-6 tablespoons butter.; 2 1/2 tablespoons plain flour.; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice mix.; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar.; 1 cup water.; 5 large eggs.; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted down.; 2 1/4 cups full-fat milk.; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.; 1/2 cup brown sugar.; 1 teaspoon apple pie spice blend.; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder.

A helping of steamy apple cobbler with a spoonful of cream on a pristine plate. | emilyscooks.com

I've gotta tell you about my favorite sweet treat that turns two comfort classics into something truly special. I stumbled upon this apple bread pudding one fall night when I had some extra brioche and freshly gathered apples sitting around. The amazing scent of spices that fills your home while it's in the oven takes me back to my grandma's kitchen, but with that extra creamy richness you can't beat.

Absolute Delight

There's nothing quite like the magic of apple pie flavors mixed into a soft, custardy bread pudding. Each mouthful brings you that feeling of home, no matter if you're eating it for dessert or treating yourself at breakfast. What I adore is how flexible this dish is – my folks gobble it up any hour they can get it.

Quality Foundation

Great bread pudding always starts with fantastic bread. I always grab brioche or challah since their buttery, rich feel totally transforms the dish. For the apples, you need crisp, fresh ones – I typically go for Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps because they give you that perfect sweet-tart balance you're looking for.

First Steps

You'll want to dry your bread first, which I've found makes all the difference in texture. Sometimes I'll set out the cubes overnight, but when I'm short on time, popping them in a cool oven works just as well. The best part comes next – spreading those spiced apples between bread layers to create amazing flavor pockets throughout.

Just Right Consistency

Nailing the right texture took me a few tries. You want your custard set but still lusciously creamy, kinda like perfectly made French toast inside. I always have my cooking thermometer ready – it tells me exactly when everything's done just right.

A close-up of a baked apple dessert featuring soft apple pieces and topped with golden-brown, crispy bread cubes in a white dish. | emilyscooks.com

Custom Spice Mix

I really enjoy blending my own apple pie spices – the smell is absolutely wonderful. That mix of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice brings back so many memories of baking with my mother during fall. I'll often throw in a tiny bit of cardamom too – that's my little kitchen secret.

Ready to Enjoy

The toughest part is waiting until it cools enough to eat. I just love watching vanilla ice cream slowly melt across the warm pudding. Sometimes I'll pour some caramel sauce on top too – might as well go all in, right?

Fast Bread Trick

When there's no time for bread to naturally stale, drying it in the oven saves the day. Just a couple hours at low heat and those cubes are all set to soak up the tasty custard mixture.

Prep-Ahead Wonder

It's so handy that I can get this ready the night before a big breakfast or dinner with friends. Everything gets put together, covered and tucked in the fridge. Next day it just needs baking time and soon your whole place smells incredible.

Storing Extras

Extra portions don't stick around long at my place, but when we do have some, they store great in the fridge. A quick warm-up in the oven brings back that fresh-baked goodness. The microwave can work in a pinch but the oven really brings back that amazing texture.

A slice of apple pie is served on a plate, topped with whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar, with a whole apple in the background. | emilyscooks.com

Tomorrow's Comfort

I'll often make a spare batch just to freeze. Individual servings wrapped carefully keep that fresh taste for up to three months. It's like storing a warm hug in your freezer for when you really need one.

Try Variations

Though the standard version tastes amazing, I enjoy testing different twists. Sometimes I'll throw in some dried cranberries or chopped pecans. That sweet-tart burst from cranberries or that nice crunch from toasted nuts adds fantastic texture contrast.

Topping Choices

You've got endless topping options. My homemade caramel is always popular, but sometimes I'll whip up a vanilla bourbon sauce that's simply incredible. Even just a splash of pure maple syrup works beautifully too.

Trimmed Down Version

When we want something not so heavy, I use skim milk and cut back on sugar. The apples already give natural sweetness and honestly, it still tastes fantastic. Nobody ever notices those missing calories.

Celebration Favorite

This has become my favorite dessert for gatherings. It's ideal for busy holiday times since you can make it beforehand. Plus the wonderful aroma filling your home just adds to that festive feeling.

A close-up image of a warm, baked apple bread pudding with chunks of apple and a glossy caramel sauce. | emilyscooks.com

Perfection Tips

The secret to amazing bread pudding is making sure each bread piece gets totally soaked with custard. I gently push down on the layers to help everything absorb evenly. Those few extra moments of care really make the end result better.

Choosing Apples

The apples you pick really make a difference. I prefer using several kinds – some for sweetness, others for tartness. They need to stay firm while cooking too – soggy apples will ruin your bread pudding fast.

Flavor Boost

Tweaking the spice mix is how I put my personal touch on this dish. A bit of ginger adds nice warmth while a tiny amount of cloves gives it depth. It's fun to play around until you find your perfect combo.

Heating Again

For leftovers, I always warm them in the oven instead of the microwave. That slow, gentle heat brings back all the original tastes and textures. The extra minutes of waiting are totally worth it.

Great Companions

On cold nights I love having this with hot apple cider or a steaming mug of chai. Something about those warm, spicy drinks just goes so well with the pudding. It's the ultimate comfort food experience.

A close-up of a serving of apple cobbler topped with a dollop of whipped cream on a white plate. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why should I use day-old bread?: Day-old bread soaks up the egg mixture better without turning mushy. You can either set bread out overnight or quick-dry it in a cool oven for about 2 hours.
→ Is there a way to make apple pie spice at home?: Absolutely! Just mix up 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon allspice. Stir well and keep it in a sealed container.
→ How many days will this pudding stay good?: You can keep it wrapped up in your fridge for up to 4 days. When you want some, just warm single servings in the microwave until they're heated through.
→ What's the point of keeping the juice from cooking apples?: The apple juice gets drizzled on the finished pudding to make it extra moist and boost the flavor, making every bite tastier.
→ Can I get parts ready beforehand?: You can cook the apples and dry out the bread ahead of time. But for the best results, put everything together and bake it right before you plan to eat it. Fresh-baked always tastes better.

Indulgent Comfort Dessert