Delicious Gramma's Apple Bread Pudding with fresh apples and spices

Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding is a delightful dessert that brings a sense of home and comfort to any meal. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a warm, sweet treat that everyone will love. The combination of soft bread, tender apples, and sweet raisins, topped with a rich vanilla sauce, makes it a perfect way to use leftover bread and enjoy seasonal fruits. It’s an easy dessert that satisfies cravings and evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons.

How to make Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding

Ingredients :

  • 4 cups soft bread cubes
  • 2 cups peeled and sliced apples
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1/2 cup butter (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1/4 cup white sugar (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (for vanilla sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla sauce)

Directions :

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 7×11-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the bread, apples, and raisins.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, brown sugar, and butter. Cook and stir until the butter is melted. Pour this mixture over the bread mixture and mix until evenly coated.
  4. Pour the coated bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In another small bowl, whisk together eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla. Pour this egg mixture over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the center is set and apples are tender.
  7. For the vanilla sauce, mix milk, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.
  8. Serve the vanilla sauce over the pudding.

How to serve Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding

Serve Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding warm out of the oven for the best experience. Drizzle the rich vanilla sauce over each serving for added sweetness. This dish pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its comforting flavors. It’s great for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in.

How to store Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding

To store any leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven. Just add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Tips to make Gramma’s Apple Bread Pudding

  • Use day-old bread for the best texture. It absorbs the liquids better than fresh bread.
  • Feel free to mix in different fruits, such as pears or berries, for a twist on the classic recipe.
  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk.
  • Always taste and adjust sweetness, as different apples can vary in sweetness.

Variation

For a nutty twist, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread mixture. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any soft bread like white bread, brioche, or challah. Avoid crusty or stale bread, as it won’t absorb the liquid well.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bread mixture and store it in the fridge overnight. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

3. How do I know when the bread pudding is done?
The bread pudding is done when the center is set and the apples are tender. You can check it by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean if it’s cooked through.