Apple Crumble Bread Pudding Recipe

Introduction

This ultimate apple crumble bread pudding combines two beloved desserts into one easy, comforting treat. It’s perfect for using up leftover bread and seasonal apples, creating a warm, spiced dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. For more simple, crowd-pleasing recipes, try the Banana Walnut Dream Cake Recipe or the Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This Apple Crumble Bread Pudding combines warm cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy custard-soaked bread, all topped with a crunchy oat streusel that bakes up golden and irresistible.

• 3 large firm apples, peeled and sliced into wedges
• 3 tbsp butter
• pinch salt
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 3 cups bread cubes (brioche, French, Italian, or Belgian bread)
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup whipping cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Apple Crumble Bread Pudding comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Bread Base

Cube 8 cups of day-old bread (such as brioche or challah) into 1-inch pieces and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For best texture, use slightly stale bread that will absorb the custard without becoming mushy.

Step 2 — Make the Apple Filling

Peel and dice 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well). In a skillet over medium heat, sauté apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons butter until tender but not mushy—about 5–7 minutes.

Step 3 — Create the Custard Mixture

Whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt until fully combined. Pour evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently to ensure all pieces are soaked.

Step 4 — Assemble the Layers

Spread the sautéed apples evenly over the soaked bread. Let the assembled Apple Crumble Bread Pudding rest for 20–30 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard—this prevents a soggy result.

Step 5 — Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Cut in 6 tablespoons cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 6 — Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the pudding. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean).

Step 7 — Cool and Serve

Let the Apple Crumble Bread Pudding cool for 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set properly. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	7g
Carbohydrates	62g
Fat	13g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole grain bread — Adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining the classic bread pudding texture.
• Greek yogurt instead of cream — Boosts protein content while keeping the creamy consistency.
• Coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener — Lower glycemic alternatives that complement the apple flavor.
• Almond flour in the crumble topping — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative to traditional flour.
• Oat milk or almond milk — Dairy-free options that work well in the custard base.
• Reduced-sodium bread — Cuts down on salt without sacrificing structure.
• Egg whites instead of whole eggs — Lowers cholesterol while maintaining binding properties.
• Extra cinnamon and nutmeg — Enhances flavor naturally, allowing for reduced sugar in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm Apple Crumble Bread Pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch option
• Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans for an elegant dessert presentation
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting family dessert
• Serve in individual ramekins for a beautiful, portion-controlled presentation
• Garnish with fresh apple slices and a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal
• Accompany with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth

This Apple Crumble Bread Pudding shines when served warm, allowing the comforting aromas of baked apples and cinnamon to fill your dining space. The combination of soft bread pudding and crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful texture contrast that pairs beautifully with both casual family meals and special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using fresh, soft bread that turns mushy. Fix: Opt for day-old, sturdy bread like brioche or challah to maintain structure.
• Mistake: Over-soaking the bread, leading to a soggy texture. Fix: Let bread soak just until saturated—about 20–30 minutes—not swimming.
• Mistake: Skipping the pre-cooking of apples, resulting in undercooked fruit. Fix: Sauté apples with spices until tender before mixing into the pudding.
• Mistake: Not balancing sweetness, making the dessert overly sugary. Fix: Taste your custard and adjust sugar based on apple sweetness and bread type.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature, causing a burnt top and raw center. Fix: Bake at 350°F (175°C) in a water bath for even, gentle cooking.
• Mistake: Forgetting to let it rest, so it falls apart when served. Fix: Cool for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the custard to set properly.
• Mistake: Using a thin custard base that doesn’t bind well. Fix: Ensure your egg-to-milk ratio is balanced (about 2 eggs per cup of dairy).
• Mistake: Overmixing the crumble topping, making it dense. Fix: Use cold butter and mix just until crumbly for a light, crisp texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Apple Crumble Bread Pudding completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the Apple Crumble Bread Pudding tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For single servings, microwave until warm. For the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Always allow frozen Apple Crumble Bread Pudding to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and food safety.

Conclusion

This Apple Crumble Bread Pudding is the perfect cozy dessert, combining comforting flavors in an easy-to-make dish. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try this recipe and share your results in the comments. For more delicious desserts, check out our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and tasty recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Apple Crumble Bread Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Apple Crumble Bread Pudding the night before. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

What type of bread works best for this recipe?

Sturdy, day-old bread like brioche, challah, or a thick-cut white bread works best. These types absorb the custard well without becoming too mushy, ensuring your Apple Crumble Bread Pudding has the perfect texture.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Apple Crumble Bread Pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warm.