Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Name: Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 2 cups milk; 5 large eggs; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 apples (peeled and diced); 6 gluten free English muffins (quartered and left out on the counter for a day to dry out); 1/3 cup butter (melted); 1/3 cup gluten free caramel sauce (We used Torani Premade Sauce); powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

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Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors, this Caramel Apple Bread Pudding is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Made with gluten-free English muffins, diced apples, and caramel sauce, it’s a sweet and comforting treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings or holiday gatherings. This twist on a classic bread pudding combines all the best flavors of autumn into one delicious dish!

The caramel goodness doesn’t need to stop here! We’ve got Chocolate Caramel Bars, Caramel Puff Corn and Caramel Popcorn Seasoning created for any caramel enthusiast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Approved and Fun: The custardy texture of bread pudding combined with the bursts of apple is popular to kids and adults alike. The gooey caramel topping is the perfect final touch. Plus, it is an easy recipe for kids to help with!
Perfect for Dessert: This recipe is versatile enough to serve after any meal for dessert. It adds a special touch, especially around the holidays.
Easy to Customize: You can add your own twist with family favorite ingredients. We provide a little inspiration below on ways to adjust this dish to fit everyone’s tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 cups milk
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
2 apples peeled and diced
6 gluten free English muffins quartered and left out on the counter for a day to dry out
1/3 cup butter melted
1/3 cup gluten free caramel sauce
Powdered sugar for dusting, optional

egg, milk and cinnamon mixture in a mixing bowl

chopped apples being poured into an egg mixture

We are excited to partner with Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market, a store we’ve proudly supported for years. When shopping in-store or online for pickup, I find that their Kroger and Simple Truth brands ensure quality and savings, adding an extra layer of assurance for families. Create Kids Club values wholesome choices and delicious meals, and our collaboration creates an ideal platform for affordable, quality living.

How To Make Bread Pudding with Apples

Preheat the oven to 350°F to get ready to make this cozy, comforting bread pudding.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. Next, stir in the diced apples then the day-old English muffins. You will want to ensure each piece of bread is coated in the custard mixture. Let sit for 15 minutes for the bread to absorb the custard sauce -this will maximize the flavor of the dish.

gluten free English muffins soaking in an egg mixture

ingredients for apple bread pudding mixed together in baking dish

While waiting, spread the melted butter into the bottom of an 8 x 8 pan. Coating the entire bottom will prevent the bread from sticking and it adds an extra layer of richness. Then, layer the bread pudding evenly in the pan.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread pudding is set. Dust with powdered sugar then drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve this apple bread pudding hot, allowing your family or guests to enjoy each gooey, caramel-filled bite.

baked apple bread pudding in a large dish

top down view of baking dish filled with apple bread pudding

Recipe Variations

Swap the milk: Instead of skim, 2% or whole milk, use almond, coconut, oat or soy to make a dairy-free version. You can adjust the sweetness of the recipe by opting for unsweetened or sweetened non-dairy milks.
Add more spice: In addition to the cinnamon, add a dash of nutmeg, allspice or cloves for a richer, spiced flavor. A teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract can also enhance the flavor of the custard sauce.
Use a variety of apples: From granny smith and Honeycrisp to gala or Jonagold, use single or multiple apple varieties.
Add more mix-ins: In addition to the apples, consider mixing in raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, fresh berries or diced pears.
Nutty add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch that pairs well with the caramel and apples. You can also use as a topping instead of mixing into the dish.
Pick a topping: In addition, or to replace the powdered sugar, drizzle the top with a glaze or serve with a scoop of ice cream for a rich, indulgent dessert.

apple bread pudding drizzled with caramel

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Kids can tear the English muffins into small pieces, which is a great way to get them involved in the cooking process. This is also an opportunity to discuss why using day-old bread is necessary.
Encourage kids to use their creativity to pick an ingredient to add. Discuss different flavor combinations they might enjoy sparking conversation in the kitchen.
While waiting for the bread pudding to bake, use the time to clean up with the kitchen together or talk about the recipe instructions. This family bonding time helps build excitement for the finished dessert!

How To Serve Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Serving bread pudding is all about indulging in the sweetness of the recipe. Here are some delicious ways to consider when serving to your family or guests:

Hot and Fresh: Serve bread pudding straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Paired with Ice Cream: Offering a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a large dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warmth of the bread makes for a great experience.
Garnished: In addition to the powdered sugar and caramel, add fresh fruit like pears, bananas or berries.
With a Warm Drink: Embrace the holiday season by serving with coffee, tea or another Warm Christmas Drink.
Individual Portions: Instead of family style, serve in individual ramekins or cups to allow everyone around the table to have their own portion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bread pudding?

Bread pudding is a classic dessert made by soaking stale or leftover bread with a mixture of milk, eggs, sugar and spices then baked. It results in a custard like dessert packed with flavor. Typically, you will find ingredients such as fruits, nuts or chocolate incorporated for additional flavor. Plus, it is served with toppings like caramel sauce, powdered sugar or whipped cream.

Can you make in advance?

Yes! You can prep the recipe then store in the fridge overnight before baking the next day. This will provide additional time for the bread to soak up the custard mixture, often resulting in a more flavorful and moist pudding.

Why do I need stale bread?

Using stale or day-old bread works best as it absorbs the custard sauce without becoming mushy. It helps the dish to have an ideal texture that isn’t soggy once baked.

How do I know when caramel apple bread pudding is done baking?

Bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown, and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftover bread pudding, you can also store it. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you want to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven. We don’t recommend freezing bread pudding as the texture is often too soggy to enjoy once reheated.

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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