Name: Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 16 ounce loaf brioche or challah bread; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, chopped ¼-inch; 2/3 cup chopped walnuts; 2/3 cup dried cranberries; 5 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 cup applesauce (regular, not unsweetened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 3/4 cups milk; 1 3/4 cups heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons Danish Creamery Butter, cubed; 12 tablespoons Danish Creamery Butter; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm, spiced textures mingling with sweet caramel, and that’s exactly what makes this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe a standout dessert. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for chilly afternoons or when you want to wow guests with minimal fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a golden brown bread pudding slice being lifted with a gold spatula. The bread pudding has several layers of unevenly shaped bread pieces with a slightly crispy texture on top, mixed with dark raisins and lighter nut pieces scattered throughout. A smooth, light caramel sauce glistens over the top, adding shine and moisture. The bread pudding sits inside a white baking dish with a blue rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The scene is bright and detailed, highlighting the moist and textured layers of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love how this apple bread pudding manages to be both indulgent and homey without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to, especially when you want dessert that feels homemade but a little special.

Generous mix-ins: With tart Granny Smith apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, every bite is packed with texture and flavor.
Rich custard base: The blend of eggs, cream, milk, and warm spices creates a silky custard that soaks into the bread perfectly.
Decadent caramel sauce: The homemade caramel drizzle is the finishing touch that really elevates the dish to next-level deliciousness.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep most parts in advance, making this a great option for busy days or entertaining.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered bread pudding. The top layer is made of chunky, golden-brown toasted bread pieces that appear moist with a shiny, caramel-colored sauce coating them. Mixed within the bread are small pale yellow apple cubes and dark dried berries, scattered evenly on the surface. The texture looks soft and slightly syrupy, with some edges of the bread slightly darker and crispier. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to build complex layers of flavor and texture. Choosing a sturdy yet soft bread like brioche or challah means it soaks up the custard without turning to mush. Plus, the tart Granny Smith apples add brightness that balances the rich custard and buttery caramel.

Flat lay of a small stack of brioche bread cubes, three peeled and quarter-inch chopped green Granny Smith apples, a handful of chopped walnuts, a small pile of dried cranberries, five whole uncracked brown eggs and one whole uncracked white egg, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cinnamon, three tiny white ceramic bowls containing ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and a spice blend of ground cloves and cardamom, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, two small pats of Danish Creamery butter cubes, and another small white ceramic bowl holding caramel sauce—all arranged with perfect symmetry and fresh, natural textures, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads have a tender crumb and absorb custard beautifully without falling apart.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness adds a necessary tang that cuts through the sweetness.
Walnuts: Offer a lovely crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
Dried Cranberries: Bring a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.
Eggs & Egg Yolk: The binders that create that creamy custard texture.
Applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity sweetness.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: A perfect blend for sweetness and depth.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Create a rich custard base with silky texture.
Vanilla Extract & Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, cardamom — these warm spices infuse cozy aromatics that make the pudding irresistible.
Butter (for topping and caramel): Adds richness and helps with browning and flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore making this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want it dairy-free, nut-free, or with a twist of different fruits, this recipe is pretty forgiving and open to creativity.

Variation: Once, I swapped the dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries, and it gave a lovely pop of tartness that I still crave.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free butter substitutes; just make sure the bread you pick doesn’t have dairy.
Add a Drizzle: Try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for a grown-up twist.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top before baking for additional texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

First things first, I cut the brioche into 1-inch cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toasting them for about 7-10 minutes in a 350°F oven dries them out just enough so they can soak up the custard without turning to mush. You want them firm but not crispy—think like lightly toasted, with a golden touch.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

While the bread is toasting, I whisk together eggs, egg yolk, applesauce, sugars, milk, cream, vanilla, and those beautiful warming spices. The applesauce is a secret weapon here — it keeps the custard moist and adds subtle fruitiness without overpowering the apples.

Step 3: Combine Bread and Mix-Ins

In a large bowl, I toss the toasted bread cubes with the chopped Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries. This ensures every bite has a little bit of that sweet and tart combo. Then, I transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4: Soak and Rest

Pour the custard evenly over the bread and fruit mixture. Let it sit a couple of minutes then press down gently with your hands so all the bread is submerged in the custard. Let it rest for 15 minutes — this soaking time is crucial for that soft, custardy center.

Step 5: Add Butter and Bake

Top the pudding with small cubes of butter for that luscious richness. Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes — it’s easier to slice and tastes wonderful warm but not piping hot.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the bread pudding cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. It thickens as it cools, so if you make it ahead, just whisk in a splash of cream when you reheat it for serving.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Caramel Drizzle

Spoon the warm caramel sauce generously over individual slices of bread pudding. That hot caramel drizzling over custardy apples and buttery bread? Pure magic.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things over the many times I’ve made this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe that really help ensure success and keep it tasting fresh:

Toast your bread: Skipping this step will lead to a soggy pudding, so toast lightly to dry out the bread for perfect custard absorption.
Don’t rush the soak: Letting the custard fully saturate the bread before baking makes all the difference in texture.
Butter on top: The small cubes of butter melting during baking create those irresistible golden pockets.
Watch the bake time: Be mindful of when to take it out—overbaking can dry it out, but underbaking leaves it too custardy and unstable.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe

Apple Bread Pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a simple gal, so I love topping the pudding with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or a few extra dried cranberries for an added pop of color and texture. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pudding takes it up a notch and makes it truly decadent.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement the warm spices. If you want to keep things lighter, a fresh fruit salad with citrus notes balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like serving this pudding in individual ramekins or even in mini cast-iron skillets — it’s charming and feels personal. Drizzling the caramel sauce tableside adds a bit of flair, and topping with a fresh mint sprig or edible flowers always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover leftover bread pudding with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 4 to 5 days, which is great if you want to savor a slice over multiple days without feeling guilty.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm for this recipe. After baking and cooling completely, I wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping them in the freezer. When I want a cozy treat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently the next day.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, the oven is my go-to. I cover the pudding with foil and warm it at 325°F for 10-20 minutes depending on how much I’m reheating. It helps keep the edges from drying out and brings back that freshly baked taste. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave followed by a short rest does the trick too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe?

Yes! While brioche or challah are ideal for their softness and ability to soak custard, you can also use French bread or even a sturdy sandwich bread. Just toast it well to dry out before baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Making this exact Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe vegan would require swapping out several key ingredients like eggs, dairy milk, cream, and butter. You can try using plant-based milk, vegan egg replacers, and vegan butter, but note the texture and richness might be different from the original.

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramel sauce can be made several days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently on the stove, whisking in a bit of cream if needed to loosen it up.

What’s the best way to tell when the bread pudding is fully baked?

You want the edges to look set and golden, and when you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs—not wet custard. The pudding will also feel firm but still soft to the touch.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s a dessert that's elegant yet simple, festive but perfect for everyday. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for seconds and then beg me to share the recipe. I hope when you try it, it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you master that luscious creamy custard and that dreamy caramel drizzle, you’ll want to make it again and again.