Apple Pie Bread Pudding – The Coziest Fall Dessert in One Dish

If you love warm, cinnamon-spiced apple desserts and comforting baked treats, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding will instantly earn a spot at the top of your dessert list. It combines everything you love about homemade apple pie and traditional bread pudding into one irresistibly warm, custardy, melt-in-your-mouth dish. This is the kind of dessert that fills your whole home with the smell of baked apples and cinnamon — a nostalgic fall hug in a baking pan.

Bread pudding is a classic dessert celebrated for its simplicity, warm comfort, and clever use of leftover bread. Apple pie, on the other hand, is a timeless American favorite known for its flaky crust, gooey apple filling, and rich spices. When you combine the two, you get a dessert that’s decadently custardy, bursting with apple flavor, perfectly spiced, and unbelievably easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert, a comforting weeknight treat, or a unique twist on a classic, Apple Pie Bread Pudding is the perfect answer.

Why This Apple Pie Bread Pudding Works

This recipe brings the best of both worlds together:

• Tender apple pie filling spreads its sweet flavor through every bite.
• Soft brioche or challah bread soaks up a rich custard made of eggs, milk, spice, and vanilla.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg make the dessert warm and cozy.
• Caramel drizzle (optional but recommended!) takes it over the top.

The result is a dessert that’s indulgent yet easy, nostalgic yet unique, and shockingly simple to assemble.

What Bread Works Best?

Choosing the right bread makes a big difference in texture. Here are great options:

Brioche

Soft, buttery, perfect for absorbing custard.

Challah

Slightly sweet, holds structure beautifully.

French baguette

Chewy and sturdy — great when you need firmer texture.

Leftover sandwich bread

Totally acceptable! The custard transforms it.

The most important rule:
Use slightly stale bread so it absorbs the custard properly.

Ingredients

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

• 6 cups brioche or challah bread, cubed
• 2 cups peeled diced apples
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp melted butter
• Pinch of salt

Optional toppings

• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

How to Make Apple Pie Bread Pudding

1. Prep the bread

Cut bread into cubes and let them sit out uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or lightly toast them in the oven for a few minutes. Dry bread soaks up custard better.

2. Make the apple mixture

Toss diced apples with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can sauté them briefly for a softer texture, but raw apples also work wonderfully.

3. Prepare the custard

Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Combine everything

Add bread cubes and apples to a large bowl. Pour the custard over the top and gently fold until every piece of bread is coated.

5. Let it soak

Allow the mixture to rest for at least 15 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard.

6. Bake

Transfer to a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, or until golden, slightly puffed, and set in the center.

7. Serve warm

Serve plain or drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into every crevice.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

A warm, comforting bread pudding filled with tender apples, cinnamon, and rich custard inspired by classic apple pie.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Bread Pudding

• 6 cups brioche or challah bread cubed
• 2 cups diced apples peeled
• 4 eggs large
• 2 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 4 tbsp butter melted
• salt pinch

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Cut bread into cubes and allow to dry out slightly or toast briefly.
2. Toss diced apples with a little brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Combine bread and apples in a large bowl and pour custard over the mixture.
5. Let the mixture soak for 15 minutes.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes.
7. Serve warm with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use firm apples to prevent mushiness. Allow pudding to rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

Toast the bread gently

If your bread is too fresh, toast it so it can soak up more custard.

Don’t skip resting

Soaking the bread before baking ensures a creamy inside and structured outside.

Use firm apples

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best so they don’t turn mushy.

Bake until just set

Overbaking causes dry pudding; a little jiggle is what you want.

Flavor Variations

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Add ¼ cup caramel sauce directly to the custard.

Apple Cranberry Bread Pudding

Mix in ½ cup dried cranberries.

Maple Apple Bread Pudding

Swap white sugar for maple syrup.

Bourbon Apple Bread Pudding

Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the custard for a smoky depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with salted caramel
• Serve with vanilla ice cream
• Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze
• Add candied pecans for crunch

Whether warm for breakfast, cozy for dessert, or served at a holiday party, Apple Pie Bread Pudding fits any occasion.