A pan of easy Apple Bread Pudding is a delicious dessert to enjoy during the chilly fall months.  This warm dessert casserole has apples, spices, and raisins baked into the sweet bread pudding.

I’m not going to lie.  I love a good slice of warm bread pudding topped with drizzles of caramel and ice cream.  Bread pudding is such a delicious comfort food dessert that is totally underrated and unappreciated in the dessert world. 

Over the years bread pudding has been known for being a way to use up day old or stale bread. But bread pudding isn’t just about a way to use up those loaves of bread.

It’s also about the sweet custard that the bread is cooked in, and the fruit and nuts that are added to the baked pudding.

And let’s not forget about the healthy dose of cinnamon sugar on top that gives those top pieces of bread a great crispy texture that contrasts with the soft pieces underneath. It’s truly a decadent dessert!

A few years ago my husband and I were in St. Louis for a convention. Since we love to try new restaurants, we headed down to the Irish pub that was in our hotel for dinner one night.

Of course, the first thing I always do is check out the dessert menu. They had a harvest bread pudding that I just had to try.  This bread pudding had apples, walnuts, and raisins baked into it.  And they served it in the cutest little cast iron skillet.  It was definitely something I couldn’t wait to make at home.

Now you may be wondering how this bread pudding is different from French toast casserole.  Honestly, they are basically the same thing.  In my opinion, the difference is in the toppings and what time of day you serve it. See how similar this Cherry Chocolate French Toast Bake looks.

What is Bread Pudding?

Bread pudding is a casserole that is made up of cubes of day old bread soaked in an egg custard sauce.  The mixture can also have fruit and nuts mixed into it.

A drizzle of warm sauce is usually served on top of the bread pudding.  

• Try maple syrup for a great breakfast or brunch option.
• Caramel topping along with ice cream or Cool Whip makes this a decadent fall dessert.

What kind of bread is best for making Bread Pudding?

You can use any type of bread, rolls, bagels, biscuits, or donuts in an easy bread pudding recipe. The key is to let them sit out uncovered for a few hours or overnight. 

I like to use a firmer, sweeter bread such as a brioche or challah bread when making apple cinnamon bread pudding. French bread is also a good option.

How to make Apple Bread Pudding:

1. Cut your bread into cubes and let it sit out uncovered for a few hours or overnight.
2. Combine the bread, diced apples, walnuts, and raisins in a large bowl.
3. Whisk together the eggs, applesauce, milk, sugar, and spices in a bowl.  
4. Pour the eggs over the bread and fruit mixture and let it soak for 15 minutes.
5. Spoon the mixture into a greased pan and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
6. Serve warm with caramel and vanilla ice cream.

What apples are best for making bread pudding?

Any variety of apple will work when you make this bread pudding recipe.

I prefer to use Gala apples in all my baked goods and Homemade Apple Pie Filling. They are just sweet enough and hold up well when baked.

You could also use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady if you prefer the taste of those apples instead.

Can bread pudding be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make and bake this bread pudding 1-2 days ahead of time.  Let it cool completely before covering it and refrigerating until needed.  Remove the pan from the fridge 30 minutes before reheating.

Cut squares and place on a pan. Cover with foil and reheat in a 325 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.  You can also reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

How long does Apple Raisin Bread Pudding last?

This bread pudding is best if served within 1-2 day of baking. Make sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate it.

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Other easy apple dessert recipes you will love:

These soft, flakey Caramel Apple Scones and a cup of hot cider is a delicious way to start or end the day.

Drizzles of caramel and chocolate add a fun flair to these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Tarts. Enjoy plain for breakfast or add a scoop of ice cream for a fall dessert.

These Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls can be made and baked in 30 minutes. A warm, gooey roll stuffed with apple goodness is a great way to start out any morning.

Fresh apples and streusel topping make this Apple Crumble Cakea delicious treat for fall. Great for breakfast or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Apple Pie Lasagna is a no-bake icebox cake that will be your new favorite desserts. Layers of graham cracker, brown sugar cream cheese, whipped cream and plenty of apple pie filling.

Warm Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Crumble with vanilla ice cream and peanut butter cups makes the best kind of dessert.

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