Caramel Apple Bread Pudding Recipe
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.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Fruit and Nuts: Fold in the cubed apple and chopped walnuts evenly into the soaked bread mixture.
- 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.
- Assemble and Drizzle: Transfer the bread pudding mixture to a baking dish. Drizzle the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- 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.
- 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