Apple Pie Bread Pudding Recipe (Easy Homemade Dessert)
If you're looking for the ultimate comfort dessert, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding combines two beloved classics into one warm, cozy treat. Cubes of buttery brioche bread soak up a rich vanilla custard before being layered with tender cinnamon apples and baked until golden on top and irresistibly creamy inside.
Finished with a warm vanilla glaze, every bite tastes like apple pie à la mode in bread pudding form. It's the perfect dessert for crisp fall evenings, holiday dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or whenever you're craving something rich and comforting.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy vanilla custard
Tender cinnamon apples in every bite
Soft center with golden crispy edges
Perfect way to use day-old bread
Easy make-ahead dessert
Better than traditional bread pudding
Delicious served warm with ice cream
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
Apple Filling
3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon apple pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bread Pudding
1 loaf brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
5 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
Vanilla Glaze
1½ cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel sauce
Fresh whipped cream
Cinnamon
Chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add:
Apples, Brown sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Apple pie spice.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape.
Stir in the vanilla.
Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard
In a large bowl whisk together:
Eggs, Whole milk, Heavy cream, Granulated sugar, Brown sugar, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Salt.
Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half of the cubed brioche bread.
Top with half of the cinnamon apples.
Repeat with the remaining bread and apples.
Slowly pour the custard evenly over the bread.
Gently press the bread into the custard so every piece is soaked.
Let stand for 20 minutes before baking.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, until:
the top is golden brown,
the center is set,
and the custard no longer jiggles.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together:
Powdered sugar, Milk, Vanilla, and Salt until smooth.
Drizzle generously over the warm bread pudding.
Tips
Brioche gives the richest texture, but challah or French bread also works well.
Day-old bread absorbs the custard best.
Let the bread soak before baking for an extra-creamy center.
Don't overcook, or the pudding can become dry.
Serve warm for the best flavor.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30 seconds, or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Serving Ideas
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding is even more delicious served with:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Warm caramel sauce
Fresh whipped cream
Cinnamon sugar
Hot coffee
Apple cider
Vanilla bean ice cream and extra cinnamon apples
Variations
Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished dessert.
Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding
Swirl softened sweetened cream cheese throughout the bread pudding before baking.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Replace the brioche with chopped cinnamon rolls for an indulgent twist.
Pecan Apple Bread Pudding
Fold 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans into the bread mixture before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best bread for bread pudding?
Brioche is ideal because it's rich, buttery, and soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. Challah and French bread are also excellent choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bread pudding, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze bread pudding?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bread Pudding transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert that's rich, comforting, and full of cozy fall flavor. The buttery brioche, creamy vanilla custard, and tender cinnamon apples come together in every bite, while the sweet vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, brunch, or a cozy weekend dessert, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.