Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, comforting embrace of freshly baked bread with the sweet, tangy burst of crisp apples – a heavenly creation that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This Light Apple Bread Pudding is not just a dessert; it's a nostalgic journey that brings together the best of homestyle baking with a delightfully light and irresistible twist that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Preferably use slightly stale bread as it absorbs the custard mixture better.
- Wash and core the apples, then dice them into small, uniform 1/2-inch pieces. If desired, leave the apple skin on for added texture and nutrition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the bread cubes, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and apple combination, carefully stirring to coat all bread cubes evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to ensure all bread is moistened.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set in the center.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a light vanilla sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. The slightly dry bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively, creating a more luxurious pudding.
- Apple Prep Perfection: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Custard Consistency is Key: Whisk the egg and milk mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, well-incorporated base that will evenly coat the bread and apples.
- Don't Overmix: When combining bread, apples, and custard, fold gently to prevent breaking down the bread cubes too much.
- Baking Tip: Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring the pudding cooks evenly without burning.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the pudding rest for 10 minutes after baking to set properly. Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 72mg
