Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread Pudding is a warm, cozy dessert that combines the best elements of two classic comfort foods: apple pie and bread pudding. Cubes of soft bread are soaked in a rich cinnamon custard and layered with sweet apple pie filling, then baked until golden and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s the perfect way to welcome autumn or finish off a holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food Fusion – Apple pie meets bread pudding in one irresistible dessert.
• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and can be prepped in advance.
• Rich in Fall Flavors – Cinnamon, vanilla, and baked apples make it perfect for chilly weather.
• Versatile – Enjoy it warm with ice cream or cold with whipped cream.
• Perfect for Brunch or Dessert – It’s just as welcome at breakfast as it is after dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread Pudding:

• 1 loaf (about 1 lb) day-old challah or brioche, cubed
• 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the bread: Place the bread cubes in the baking dish.
3. Mix the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
4. Assemble: Pour the custard over the bread cubes. Let sit for 10–15 minutes so the bread can absorb the mixture. Gently stir in the apple pie filling.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top.
6. Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
7. Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm bread pudding and serve. Optionally, top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
• Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Fresh Apples: Use 2 cups of peeled and diced apples sautéed with cinnamon and sugar instead of canned filling.
• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the pudding or sprinkle on top.
• Caramel Drizzle: Swap the glaze for a warm caramel sauce.
• Raisin Twist: Add ½ cup of golden raisins for a more traditional bread pudding feel.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven or microwave individual portions until heated through. Add a splash of milk if needed to moisten.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with fresh apples instead of canned filling?

Yes, sauté peeled, diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of butter until soft, then use them in place of the canned filling.

What’s the best bread for bread pudding?

Brioche, challah, or French bread works best. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day when ready.

Is the glaze necessary?

No, it’s optional. The pudding is delicious on its own or with whipped cream or ice cream.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the milk and cream with non-dairy options like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free glaze.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

The top should be golden and slightly crisp, and the center should be set with no liquid custard remaining.

Can I use cinnamon rolls instead of bread?

Absolutely. Using cinnamon rolls adds extra spice and sweetness—just reduce added sugar slightly.

What can I serve with this?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce pairs perfectly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Freeze individual portions or the whole dish in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your apple pie filling is already sweet.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending the nostalgic flavor of apple pie with the creamy richness of bread pudding. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a cozy brunch, or just because, it’s sure to win over anyone who takes a bite. Make it once, and you’ll be adding it to your fall dessert rotation for years to come.

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