I’ve always believed that the best desserts are the ones that make your kitchen smell like home, and this Caramel Apple Bread Pudding does exactly that.

It’s the kind of dessert that fills the air with buttery apples, warm cinnamon, and caramel sweetness.

Each bite is a comforting blend of soft custard-soaked bread, tender apple pieces, and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.

It’s my go-to fall and Thanksgiving dessert — rustic, cozy, and downright irresistible when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe transforms simple ingredients — day-old bread, apples, and eggs — into something truly indulgent.

The caramel sauce seeps into the pudding as it bakes, creating a dessert that’s both gooey and golden on top.

It’s elegant enough for the Thanksgiving table but easy enough to make on a chilly weekend when you just want something sweet and comforting.

Highlights:

  • Warm, cozy dessert perfect for fall and Thanksgiving
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  • Combines tender apples, caramel, and custard-soaked bread
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  • Easy to prepare and make ahead
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  • Delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream
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  • Great way to use up day-old bread

Ingredient Notes

  • Bread (about 6 cups, cubed): Day-old French bread, challah, or brioche is perfect — they soak up the custard beautifully without becoming mushy.
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  • Apples (2 medium): Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add bright flavor and texture.
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  • Eggs (4 large): Bind the pudding and give it a creamy custard texture.
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  • Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: Combine for richness and moisture in the custard base.
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  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and molasses sweetness.
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  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that make the dessert cozy and aromatic.
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  • Butter: Used for sautéing the apples and adding richness.
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  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors in the custard.
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  • Caramel Sauce: The star of the show — drizzle over the pudding before and after baking for a luscious finish.

How to Make My Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

  1. Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours or toast in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to dry slightly.
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  2. Sauté the Apples: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized.
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  3. Make the Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla extract, brown sugar, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
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  4. Assemble the Bread Pudding: Add the toasted bread cubes and sautéed apples to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, pressing gently so the bread absorbs the liquid.
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  5. Add Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the top before baking.
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  6. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.
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  7. Serve Warm: Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dessert with:

  • A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or salted caramel gelato
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  • A drizzle of warm caramel or bourbon sauce
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  • A mug of hot apple cider or coffee
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  • A dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish

Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Use stale or toasted bread — it’s key for soaking up the custard without turning soggy.

Don’t skip sautéing the apples first; it brings out their sweetness and prevents them from releasing too much liquid in the pudding.

Always let the baked pudding rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set. For an extra indulgent touch, top with warm salted caramel sauce right before serving.

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce
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Caramel Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Caramel Sauce

Recipe by JoanneCourse: DessertCuisine: American (Holiday)Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Calories per serving

420

kcal

This Caramel Apple Bread Pudding combines tender spiced apples, buttery bread cubes, and warm caramel sauce for a cozy, irresistible Thanksgiving dessert. Simple, rich, and perfect for sharing around the holiday table.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed day-old bread (French bread, challah, or brioche)

  • 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (divided)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Toast or dry out the bread cubes if needed.
  • In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for 5–7 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Add bread cubes and apples to the baking dish, then pour custard over them evenly.
  • Press the bread down slightly to help absorb the custard.
  • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden and set.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and serve warm.

Notes

  • Try brioche or challah bread for a softer, richer texture.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • You can substitute salted caramel sauce for extra flavor.
  • For a festive twist, stir in a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard.
  • Best served slightly warm with a drizzle of caramel and a scoop of ice cream.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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  • Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
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  • Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Easy Caramel Apple Bread Pudding for Thanksgiving