Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

Fall baking season is here, and this Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding is the warm, comforting dessert that fills your whole kitchen with the aroma of apples and cinnamon.

It is deliciously custardy, apple-packed, and honestly like a hug in dessert form.

Imagine sinking your spoon into soft, spiced bread soaked in a creamy custard, studded with tender, juicy apple chunks.

It is the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table on a chilly evening.

The ingredients are simple and the steps are beginner-friendly, yet the result is impressive enough to share with friends.

If you love cozy fall desserts, my pumpkin bread pudding is another favorite to bake this season.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	30 minutes (includes a 15 minute soak)
Cook Time	45 to 50 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings	8 servings
Difficulty Level	Easy

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

This bread pudding combines the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and apples with the soft, creamy texture of a classic custard-soaked bake.

It is warm, cozy, and versatile, so it works as dessert, brunch, or even a sweet breakfast treat.

• Simple ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
• Balanced flavor: Sweet, spiced, and creamy in every single bite.
• Great for leftover bread: Day-old bread turns into something truly special.
• Perfect for fall: Ideal for family gatherings and quiet nights in.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite mix-ins without changing the method.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early and bake when you are ready.

You might also enjoy: Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole

Ingredients

This recipe calls for basic ingredients that come together into a comforting dessert.

I also keep a jar of homemade apple pie spice in my pantry for other apple bakes.

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 cups milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You only need a few basic tools to make this bread pudding. Gather these items before you start so the process feels smooth and relaxed.

• 9×13 baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

Read Also: French Toast Casserole Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are my personal recommendations based on years of baking in my own kitchen.

The baking dish below also earns its keep in my cinnamon French toast bake, so it is a smart buy for fall.

1. Pyrex Easy Grab 9×13 Glass Baking Dish

I reach for a glass baking dish whenever I make bread pudding because it heats evenly and gives you a golden, set custard without dark edges.

You can also see the bottom of the dish, which makes it easy to check that everything is cooking through.

It cleans up beautifully, even with baked-on sugar.

Get it on Amazon

2. Apple Peeler Corer Slicer

Peeling and dicing apples by hand is the slowest part of this recipe.

A crank-style peeler corer slicer does the job in seconds and gives you even pieces that bake at the same rate.

It is especially helpful if you make apple desserts all season long.

Get it on Amazon

3. Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract

Vanilla is a quiet star in a custard, so quality makes a real difference.

This pure extract adds a rich, round flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and brown sugar. A small bottle goes a long way.

Get it on Amazon

4. Salted Caramel Sauce Jar

A good caramel sauce turns a simple square of bread pudding into a dessert worth serving to guests.

I like a salted version because it balances the sweetness of the custard. Warm it for 20 seconds and drizzle generously.

Get it on Amazon

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

This recipe is straightforward, but every step is broken down to help you succeed, even if you are new to baking.

Follow along in order and you will have a golden, custardy pudding in about an hour.

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is fully heated by the time your bread pudding is assembled.
• Place the oven rack in the middle position to allow for even baking from top to bottom.
• Grease your 9×13 baking dish well with butter or cooking spray and set it on the counter.

2. Prepare the Bread

• Take 6 cups of day-old bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes using your cutting board and knife.
• If your bread is fresh, let the cubes sit out for a few hours, or lightly toast them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry them out slightly.
• Place the bread cubes in the greased 9×13 baking dish and spread them out into an even layer.

3. Prep the Apples

• Peel and core 2 medium apples using your knife and cutting board.
• Dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch chunks, so they soften evenly while baking.
• Scatter the apple pieces evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish.

For another way to use fall apples, try: Apple Dapple Cake

4. Make the Custard

• In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of milk, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.
• Add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp melted butter to the bowl.
• Whisk everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are mostly dissolved.

5. Combine and Soak

• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples in the baking dish.
• Gently press down on the bread with a spatula so every cube soaks up some of the custard.
• Let the dish sit for 15 minutes so the bread can fully absorb the liquid.

6. Bake the Bread Pudding

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
• The pudding is done when the top is golden and the custard is set.
• Insert a toothpick into the center to check. It should come out clean.

7. Cool and Serve

• Remove the bread pudding from the oven using oven mitts and set it on a heat-safe surface.
• Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so the custard can firm up slightly.
• Scoop or cut into squares and serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Tips for The Best Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

To make your Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding truly shine, keep these tips in mind.

The same firm-apple rule keeps my apple cinnamon blondies perfectly chewy too.

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread gives the best texture, since fresh bread can become too soggy.
• Pick firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance tartness and sweetness and hold their shape.
• Do not skip the soak: The 15 minute rest lets the bread absorb the custard for a creamy consistency.
• Crisp the top: For a crispier finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes after baking and watch closely so it does not burn.
• Grease well: Coat the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pudding is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides.

It is perfect for cozy fall evenings and festive gatherings, and these ideas will make every serving feel special.

• Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream for lightness.
• Pair with hot coffee or warm apple cider to complement the flavors.

You might also enjoy: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Variations of Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to mix things up.

For another fruity twist, my peach bread pudding swaps in juicy peaches.

• Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
• Swap the apples for pears for a softer, milder flavor.
• Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a deeper fall flavor.
• Make it boozy by adding 2 tbsp of bourbon or rum to the custard.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well, which makes this a great make-ahead dessert. Let the pudding cool completely before storing it.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat a portion for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Oven: Warm at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes for a softer, evenly heated result.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Read Also: Apple Crumble Muffins Recipe

Nutritional Facts

These are approximate values per serving, based on 8 servings. If you love this flavor combination, you will enjoy my cinnamon apple cake too.

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This dessert is not just delicious, it also offers a few nutritional perks thanks to its wholesome ingredients.

Apples and cinnamon bring more than flavor to the table, which makes this a slightly more mindful indulgence.

• Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants, supporting digestion and heart health.
• Cinnamon: May help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like choline.
• Milk: Offers calcium and vitamin D for strong bones.
• Bread: Repurposes leftovers, which helps reduce food waste.

For a lighter option, try: Apple Fennel Salad

FAQs About Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Yes, but fresh bread can make the pudding too soft.

To mimic the texture of day-old bread, cube it and toast it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to dry it out slightly.

2. What type of apples are best for this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking.

They also give you a lovely balance of tart and sweet flavors in every bite.

3. Can I make this bread pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the pudding, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if it is cold from the fridge, and it is lovely served next to my apple cider donut bread at a fall brunch.

4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze baked bread pudding.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, store it for up to 2 months, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with a plant-based option like almond milk and use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Just make sure your bread is dairy-free as well.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding is the ultimate fall dessert, warm, comforting, and bursting with the flavors of apples and cinnamon.

It is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Serve it at a holiday gathering or enjoy it on a quiet evening at home, and it is sure to become a seasonal staple.

So grab your baking dish, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a slice of cozy goodness.

If you try it, I would love to hear how it turned out in the comments below. Do not forget to share it with a friend who loves fall baking.

Recommended:

• Apple Crumble Cheesecake
• Apple Cider Cheesecake
• Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares Recipe
• Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• Gingerbread Whoopie Pies Recipe