If you adore cozy desserts that feel like a warm hug, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender, custardy bread pudding bursting with tender chunks of spiced apples, all elevated by a luscious, boozy bourbon sauce that’s rich and silky. Whether you’re making it for a festive family gathering or a comforting weekend treat, this dish brings out the best of autumn flavors with every bite. I can’t wait to walk you through how to make this utterly delicious dessert from start to finish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe plays a starring role, from the soft, fluffy bread creating the perfect custard base to the warm spices and apples that add bursts of flavor and texture. The bourbon sauce ties everything together with a smooth, decadent finish that you won’t want to miss.
- Brioche or challah bread, 1 pound: Soft and slightly sweet, these breads soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
- Apples, 3 large: Peeled and chopped, they provide that tender fruitiness and juicy texture throughout the pudding.
- Light brown sugar: Used twice for sweetness and depth, in both the apple filling and the bourbon sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to caramelize the apples and sugar for a golden finish.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the custard’s flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples and gives the dish its comforting aroma.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavor.
- Whole milk, 2 1/2 cups: The creamy base of the custard that makes the pudding wonderfully smooth.
- Eggs, 4 large: Bind everything together and set the custard to that silky, sliceable texture.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens the custard gently without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Heavy cream, 1/4 cup: Used in the bourbon sauce for a rich, velvety texture.
- Bourbon, 3 tablespoons: The magic ingredient that adds a subtle kick and warmth to the sauce, making this dessert truly unforgettable.
How to Make Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish to keep your pudding from sticking. This simple step ensures your bread pudding bakes evenly and allows for easy serving later on.
Step 2: Toast the Bread Cubes
Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they turn a lovely light golden color, about 10 minutes. Toasting dries the bread slightly so it soaks up the custard better. If your bread is a bit stale, you can skip this step, but toasting really adds a wonderful texture.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, light brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt over medium heat. Stir and cook until the apples become soft and the sugar melts into a syrupy glaze, roughly 5 minutes. This step softens the apples and infuses them with all the sweet spices, making every bite burst with flavor.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, eggs, and granulated sugar until completely smooth and combined. This custard mixture will soak into the bread cubes creating that perfect creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine Bread and Apples
Place the toasted bread cubes in your greased casserole dish. Pour the warm apple mixture evenly over the bread, then gently toss with a spoon to distribute the apples evenly. This layering ensures every spoonful gets a balanced taste of bread and fruit.
Step 6: Soak the Bread
Pour the egg and milk custard over the bread and apples, making sure every cube is soaked thoroughly. Then let the assembled pudding sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, letting the bread soak up all the delicious custard to become tender and luscious.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top grows a gorgeous golden brown color. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife in the center; if it comes out clean, your pudding is ready!
Step 8: Make the Bourbon Sauce
While the pudding bakes, make the bourbon sauce by melting light brown sugar and butter together over medium heat in a small saucepan. Stir constantly until fully melted and smooth, then add heavy cream, stirring for another minute or two. Finally, stir in the bourbon and let it simmer for a minute before removing from heat. Keep stirring every couple minutes while it cools to maintain its silky texture.
Step 9: Serve It Up
When your Apple Bread Pudding is out of the oven, drizzle the warm bourbon sauce over individual servings and watch the magic happen. This final touch elevates the dish to a decadent level that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra wow factor, try topping your pudding with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a few thin apple slices can also add texture and a gorgeous finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. For a festive brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or small cast iron skillets. You can also transform this recipe into easy-to-serve bread pudding cups by baking in muffin tins and drizzling sauce right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can cover and refrigerate any leftover Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors only mellow and deepen, making for a great next-day treat.
Freezing
This bread pudding freezes quite well. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds or reheat a whole dish covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or extra bourbon sauce to revive its moist texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for the pudding?
Absolutely! While brioche and challah are ideal because of their slight sweetness and texture, you can use other breads like French bread or even sturdy sandwich bread. Just keep in mind the bread’s texture will affect the final pudding.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the bourbon?
Yes, you can easily substitute bourbon with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for that warm flavor without the alcohol. The sauce will still be delicious and complement the bread pudding beautifully.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the apple filling and custard mixture a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Assemble the pudding right before baking for the freshest results.
How do I know when the bread pudding is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center; if it comes out clean and the top is nicely golden, your pudding is cooked. The custard should be set but still creamy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the bread for a gluten-free variety that holds up well when soaked. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a celebration in every bite. Combining simple ingredients with thoughtful techniques makes it approachable and utterly delicious. Trust me, once you serve this to your friends and family, it will become a treasured favorite for all your special moments. So grab that bread, those shining apples, and a splash of bourbon — and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Print
Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 to 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce features tender brioche bread and spiced, caramelized apples baked to golden perfection. The rich custard soaks the bread thoroughly, while the warm bourbon sauce adds a luscious, boozy finish. Ideal for a comforting dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 1 pound brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (for apples)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for apples)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Bourbon Sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pudding.
- Toast bread cubes: Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until lightly golden, about 10 minutes. This dries out the bread for better absorption of custard. If using stale bread, toasting can be skipped.
- Cook apple filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped apples, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir and cook until the apples soften and the sugar melts completely, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, eggs, and granulated sugar until fully combined and smooth, forming the custard base.
- Assemble pudding: Place the toasted bread cubes into the prepared casserole dish. Pour the apple filling evenly over the bread cubes, gently stirring to distribute the apples throughout. Then pour the milk and egg custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, ensuring all pieces are soaked.
- Rest assembly: Let the assembled bread pudding sit at room temperature for 15 minutes so the bread thoroughly absorbs the custard mixture.
- Bake pudding: Bake in the preheated oven until the custard sets and the top is golden brown, approximately 40 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Prepare bourbon sauce: While the pudding bakes, combine 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and butter melts, about 4-5 minutes. Add heavy cream, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Stir in bourbon and simmer the sauce for 1 minute. Remove from heat and continue stirring occasionally as it cools to prevent separation.
- Serve: Once the bread pudding is baked, drizzle warm bourbon sauce over individual servings. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use brioche or challah bread for their rich texture and flavor.
- Toasting the bread cubes helps prevent a soggy pudding by drying the bread for better custard absorption.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with an equal amount of apple cider or additional vanilla extract.
- The bread pudding can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave, but the sauce may need reheating separately.
