Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-soothing dessert that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, you’ve got to try my Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe. This isn’t just any bread pudding — it’s packed with tender apple bites, crunchy walnuts, and a dreamy custard kissed by cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. I absolutely love how it transforms basic ingredients into a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Stick around, because I’m sharing everything you need to make this favorite in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe are simple, everyday items that come together to create magic. Using crusty French bread and fresh apples is key for texture, while the warm spices and orange zest give it that special cozy vibe.

• French bread: I like to use slightly stale or day-old bread—it soaks up the custard perfectly without turning to mush.
• Apples: Keep the skin on for extra color, texture, and nutrients; a firmer apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works nicely.
• Walnuts: They add a lovely crunch and slightly nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: This recipe uses 4 large eggs to make the custard rich and silky.
• Milk: Whole milk or 2% will work best for a creamy texture.
• Honey: I prefer honey for natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor.
• Orange zest: This adds bright citrus notes that lift the warm spices.
• Ground cardamom: Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth.
• Cinnamon: A classic spice that brings comforting sweetness.
• Ground ginger: Gives a gentle spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt: Perfect for serving and adding extra creaminess.
• Caramel sauce: Optional but highly recommended for drizzling on top!

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe can be—feel free to make it your own and tweak it however you like!

• Nut-free version: Swap walnuts for toasted pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely—I’ve made it both ways and it’s just as comforting!
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and coconut yogurt for serving.
• Extra fruit: Toss in dried cranberries or raisins for extra bursts of sweetness and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg if you want even more holiday vibes.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Pan

Start by greasing your baking pan—whether you use a 7×11, 9×9, or 8×8 inch pan depends on how deep you want the pudding. Cut your French bread into cubes about ¾ inch thick and layer them evenly in the pan. Using slightly stale bread means you won’t end up with soggy pudding; it soaks up the custard just right.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs and honey until smooth and slightly frothy. Then add the milk, orange zest, ground cardamom, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt. Whisk everything until well combined. The orange zest really brightens up the warm spices and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Combine and Soak

Pour the custard over the bread cubes, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Here’s a trick I discovered: you can transfer everything (bread, custard, apples, walnuts) into a blender and blitz it briefly for a smoother texture, or just pour and press gently with a spatula to submerge the apples and nuts into the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or, better yet, overnight. The longer soak lets the bread absorb all that delicious custard flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the pudding for 35-45 minutes, depending on your pan’s depth. You want a lightly browned top and a custard that’s set without floppy spots. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes — this helps it firm up so you get those perfect, clean slices.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the melting creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm spices. Sometimes I drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch. For a lighter option, a spoonful of Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this as part of a brunch or dinner spread, I love pairing it with spiced chai tea or a hot apple cider to match the fall flavors. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can refresh the palate if you’re making this the star dessert after a rich meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I sometimes serve this apple bread pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Dusting a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking adds a subtle crunch. And if you want to get fancy, a few toasted walnut halves arranged on top after baking make it look as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apple bread pudding stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wrap mine tightly with plastic wrap or pop it into an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had even more time to meld.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of this pudding wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. It keeps well up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving – it won’t be quite as crisp on top but still delicious and comforting.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven over the microwave to keep that lovely texture. Cover the pudding loosely with foil and bake at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, 1-2 minutes in the microwave works too, but keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe has become my go-to for wrapping up any meal with a little sweetness and a lot of heart. Whether you’re diving in for a cozy weekend brunch, a special holiday dessert, or a comforting snack after a long day, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug on a plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it with you—trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a staple in your home too.

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