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Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

4.5 from 70 reviews

Indulge in this comforting Caramel Apple Bread Pudding featuring rich brioche soaked in a creamy vanilla bean Skyr custard, studded with tender apples and crunchy walnuts, then topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce infused with orange zest and cinnamon. Perfect as a decadent dessert or a cozy brunch treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Pudding Base

  • 14 oz brioche loaf (about 5 cups, cubed)
  • 4 oz Skyr (Icelandic Provisions Extra Creamy Vanilla Bean Skyr plus more for topping)
  • 1/3 cup condensed milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup half and half
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • Cinnamon (to taste)
  • 1 apple (cubed)
  • 1/3 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • Zest of 2 oranges (divided)
  • Pinch of salt

Caramel Sauce

  • 1 3/4 cup brown sugar (divided)
  • 3/4 cup apple juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Dash of ginger

Instructions

  1. Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla bean Skyr, condensed milk, zest of 1 orange, a generous dash of cinnamon, eggs, 1 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and the half and half until fully combined.
  2. Soak Brioche: Add the cubed brioche bread to the custard mixture, stirring gently to coat. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes, adding a little extra half and half if the bread needs more liquid absorption.
  3. Add Fruit and Nuts: Fold in the cubed apple and chopped walnuts evenly into the soaked bread mixture.
  4. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining brown sugar, apple juice, zest of 1 orange, cinnamon, and a dash of ginger. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until melted and smooth.
  5. Assemble and Drizzle: Transfer the bread pudding mixture to a baking dish. Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and set.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm topped with additional vanilla bean Skyr and a drizzle of the apple caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Using brioche adds a rich, buttery texture that enhances the bread pudding’s flavor.
  • Allowing the bread to soak thoroughly in the custard ensures a creamy, custardy interior.
  • The homemade caramel sauce is flavored with fresh orange zest and cinnamon for a unique twist.
  • For best results, use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain apple texture after baking.
  • This bread pudding is best enjoyed warm, but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.

Keywords: caramel apple bread pudding, brioche bread pudding, apple walnut dessert, vanilla bean Skyr pudding, homemade caramel sauce