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

Nothing quite beats the cozy, comforting hug of a warm dessert like this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe. The sweet apples, rich custard, and buttery caramel come together to make a dish that’s perfect for sharing—or sneaking a few extra bites yourself!

This image shows a close-up of a golden metal serving spoon lifting a portion of bread pudding from a white baking dish. The bread pudding has three main layers: a top crust that is slightly crispy and golden brown, a middle layer with soft, chunky bread pieces in light brown color, and dark brown raisins scattered throughout. A glossy, light caramel sauce is drizzled over the top, giving the bread pudding a sticky and moist look. The white baking dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. The 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

From the first bite, this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe feels like a warm, indulgent celebration of fall—and honestly, any time of year. I love how the tart Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness and the gooey caramel takes everything to the next level.

Perfect Comfort Food: The soft, custardy bread soaked with warm spices will remind you of cozy family gatherings.
Flavor Balance: Tart apples and crunchy walnuts add texture and freshness, so it’s never too sweet or heavy.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep most parts in advance, making it ideal for busy days or special occasions.
Show-Stopping Caramel Sauce: The homemade caramel drizzle isn’t just an extra; it’s what turns this into a dessert worth raving about.

The image shows a rectangular white baking dish filled with a bread pudding-like dessert. The dish contains several layers of uneven golden-brown bread chunks soaked in a shiny, light brown sauce. Mixed inside are small dark dried fruits and small pieces of pale yellow fruit, creating a mottled texture on the surface. The edges of the pieces are slightly crispy, while the liquid sauce adds a glossy look, making the dessert appear moist and rich. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the soft bread to that luscious sauce. Choose good-quality produce and dairy to make your pudding shine.

Flat lay of a loaf of brioche bread with golden crust cut into cubes, three peeled and chopped green Granny Smith apples, a small pile of chopped walnuts, a handful of deep red dried cranberries, five whole brown eggs with clean shells, one small white ceramic bowl of smooth applesauce, one small white ceramic bowl of granulated white sugar, one small white ceramic bowl of packed brown sugar, one small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, one small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, and smaller white ceramic bowls each holding ground nutmeg, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground cardamom, and salt, a few cubes of pale yellow Danish Creamery butter arranged neatly, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced 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 just enough sweetness, perfect for absorbing the custard without getting mushy.
Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness cuts through the richness, keeping every bite bright and fresh.
Walnuts: I love the crunch and subtle bitterness they add, which balances the sweet elements nicely.
Dried Cranberries: They bring a chewy texture and a tangy pop that complements the apples beautifully.
Eggs and Egg Yolk: The backbone of the custard, providing richness and helping the pudding hold together.
Applesauce: This adds moisture and a gentle sweetness without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: The mix of these two sugars gives depth and caramel notes to the custard.
Milk & Heavy Cream: Together, they create a silky, luscious texture in the custard.
Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings all the ingredients together.
Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves, Cardamom): This aromatic blend adds cozy warmth and complexity—don’t skip these!
Salt: Just the right amount to brighten flavors and balance the sweetness.
Danish Creamery Butter: Cubed on top for browning and melted into the caramel sauce for richness and that beautiful silky finish.

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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

I’ve enjoyed customizing this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe over the years—sometimes swapping fruit, or adjusting the nuts for different textures. Feel free to make it your own and tweak the sweetness or spices to your liking.

Nut Swap: I’ve tried pecans instead of walnuts for a buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.
Dairy Free Variation: Use coconut milk and vegan butter, and swap eggs for flax eggs to keep it plant-based.
Seasonal Twist: Try pears or even pumpkin chunks for a cozy seasonal variation that still works well with the caramel sauce.
Less Sweet Version: Reduce sugars slightly or skip the cranberries if you prefer a subtler sweetness.

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

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes for Perfect Texture

Start by cutting your brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. This is such a satisfying step — I love the sound of the bread hitting the cutting board! Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes until they’re just dried out but still soft. Toasting the bread helps prevent the pudding from becoming too soggy, giving it that amazing contrast of creamy inside and slightly crisp edges.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Rich Custard

Whisk the eggs, egg yolk, applesauce, sugars, milk, cream, vanilla, spices, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is smooth and combined. The applesauce adds a subtle apple note and extra moisture, which I think is a game changer.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Mixture

In a large bowl, toss the toasted bread cubes with the chopped Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and cranberries. Then transfer everything to your greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the custard evenly over the bread mixture, letting it soak in for a couple of minutes before pressing the bread gently down with your hands to make sure it’s fully submerged—this helps the custard soak in evenly.

Step 4: Let It Rest and Add Butter

Allow the pudding to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature so the custard really penetrates the bread. Then scatter the cubed Danish Creamery butter over the top—that buttery richness will melt in the oven, forming a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45-55 minutes. You want the edges to be set and golden brown, and when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs—not wet custard. Cooling off for 10-15 minutes before serving helps it firm up, so don’t rush this part!

Step 6: Whip Up the Caramel Sauce

While the pudding is cooling, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and warm through. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. I often make this ahead, and if it thickens in the fridge, a splash of extra cream loosens it back up nicely.

Step 7: Serve and Drizzle

Ladle the warm caramel over your apple bread pudding and dig in. Bonus points if you share, but I won’t judge if you don’t.

Top Tip

When I first made this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe, I learned a few tricks the hard way that made all the difference. Here are my best tips so your pudding turns out perfect every time.

Toast the Bread: Don’t skip toasting the bread cubes—it prevents sogginess and adds texture contrast.
Press the Bread In: Gently pressing the bread into the custard helps it absorb evenly without floating, giving you uniform custardy bites.
Let it Rest: The 15-minute soak time before baking is essential—this step makes the flavors really meld.
Watch Your Bake Time: Ovens vary; start checking at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the pudding.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe

apple bread pudding - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts on top when serving to add a bit of elegance and texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully for a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding is so rich and flavorful it can stand alone, but if you want to serve it alongside, a simple cup of spiced chai or a fresh fruit salad with citrus segments complements it beautifully without overpowering.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins for a personalized touch. Drizzling caramel with a fork to create a decorative pattern or serving in a cast-iron skillet makes it rustic and inviting. Sometimes, I like to sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the caramel sauce just before serving for a salty-sweet twist that wowed my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover leftover bread pudding with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have settled. Just be sure to keep the caramel sauce separate until serving to keep textures spot-on.

Freezing

Freezing works great here! Once cooled, I wrap the whole pan (or individual slices) well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moist, for 10-20 minutes depending on portion size. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works—heat for 30 seconds, then in 10-second bursts until warm, but the oven really gives you that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While brioche or challah work best for their softness and sweetness, you can use other sturdy breads like French bread or even a rustic white loaf. Just toast the bread cubes well to avoid sogginess.

Is it okay to make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Making the caramel sauce ahead is one of my favorite time-saving tips. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of heavy cream to get it to the perfect drizzle consistency.

Can I prepare the apple bread pudding the day before baking?

You can prep most of the components the day before—toast the bread, chop the apples, and prepare the custard—but I recommend assembling and baking just before serving to keep the best texture. The bread can get soggy if soaked too long.

What can I serve with this Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe to make it a full meal?

While this bread pudding is rich enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or a brunch centerpiece, pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of spiced butternut squash soup can create a comforting, balanced meal. Hot coffee or chai works wonders too!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce Recipe is hands down one of my favorite desserts to make when I want to impress without endless fuss. It’s nostalgic, warming, and endlessly adaptable. Just picture pulling it out warm from the oven, that sticky caramel sauce glistening on top—the smell and taste are unforgettable. Give it a try and you might find yourself sharing this recipe with friends and family, just like I do!