Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further than this Double Apple Bread Pudding! This recipe takes the classic bread pudding and elevates it with the sweet and tart flavor of two kinds of apples – Granny Smith and Honeycrisp – creating a delightful textural and flavor experience. It's the perfect homemade treat for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or simply a well-deserved reward after a long day. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, and it's a fantastic way to use up leftover bread. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cubed stale bread (challah, brioche, or sourdough work well)
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup raisins (optional, but adds a lovely touch!)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, gently toss the diced apples with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Add the cubed bread and raisins (if using), making sure the bread is evenly coated with the apple mixture.
Step 2: Create the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the melted butter into the custard mixture and whisk again to incorporate.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture in the prepared baking dish. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it's mostly submerged in the custard. Let the pudding sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
Step 4: Baking Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is set and golden brown on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve: Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar (optional) and enjoy warm.
Tips for the Best Double Apple Bread Pudding:
- Use Stale Bread: Stale bread is ideal for bread pudding as it absorbs the custard better without becoming soggy.
- Don't Overmix: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking the bread into tiny pieces.
- Check for Doneness: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so always check for doneness with a knife or toothpick.
- Get Creative with Apples: Feel free to experiment with other types of apples or a mix of different varieties.
Variations:
- Spiced it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the spice blend for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the bread pudding for a delightful crunch.
- Boozy Bread Pudding: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-22g Protein: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This Double Apple Bread Pudding recipe is a delicious and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and creamy custard creates a truly unforgettable treat. Enjoy!