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- 6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup whole milk - 3 large eggs For this recipe, using day-old bread is key. It absorbs the custard without getting too soggy. Brioche or challah gives the best flavor and texture. Apple cider adds a nice, sweet twist to the dish. Whole milk makes the pudding creamy and rich. Eggs help bind everything together, creating a lovely custard. - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Granulated sugar sweetens the pudding. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the apple cider perfectly. These spices enhance the overall aroma and taste of the dessert. - 1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) for drizzling Chopped apples add texture and a slight tartness. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their crispness. Drizzling with caramel sauce before serving adds an indulgent touch. It makes each bite feel like a treat, balancing the flavors and enhancing the sweetness. First, you need to set the stage for your bread pudding. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure even baking. Next, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it. You can use butter or cooking spray. This step keeps the pudding from sticking. Now, let's make that apple cider shine. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium and bring it to a simmer. This means small bubbles will form on the surface. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You want it slightly thickened. After this, remove it from the heat and let it cool a bit. While the cider cools, it’s time to mix your custard. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of whole milk, 3 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Finally, mix in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Now, once your apple cider has cooled, stir it into the custard mixture. Make sure it blends well. Next, grab 6 cups of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes. Add this along with 1/2 cup of chopped apples to the bowl. Gently fold the bread and apples into the custard. You want every piece of bread soaked. It’s baking time! Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press down lightly to make sure it’s even. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce for that sweet finish. Enjoy! To make the best apple cider bread pudding, avoid soggy bread. Use day-old bread. Fresh bread can soak too much liquid. Cut the bread into even cubes. This helps them soak up the custard evenly. Press the bread down lightly in the dish. This ensures it cooks well. Bake until the top is golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean. If it's undercooked, it may be too wet. To enhance the apple cider flavor, simmer it first. This helps the flavors deepen. Use good quality apple cider for a rich taste. Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the custard mix. These spices pair well with apple flavors. For caramel, drizzle it on right before serving. This adds a sweet touch. You can use store-bought caramel or make your own for a special treat. Serve the bread pudding warm for the best taste. Place it in bowls or on plates. Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds creaminess to the dessert. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top. This makes it look appealing and delicious. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a nice finish. Enjoy the warm and cozy feel of this dessert! {{image_2}} You can use many types of bread for this recipe. Each type adds a unique texture. For example, sourdough gives a tangy flavor. White bread offers a soft, light base. Rye bread can add a rich, earthy taste. Experiment with different breads to find your favorite. Adding nuts and dried fruits can boost the flavor of your bread pudding. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins offer sweetness and chewiness. Mix in your favorite nuts or fruits for a fun twist. You can easily adjust this recipe for special diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Almond milk or oat milk can replace whole milk for a dairy-free version. Always check labels to ensure that your ingredients fit your dietary needs. To keep your apple cider bread pudding fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to keep moisture in and prevent it from drying out. You can also use an airtight container for storage. The bread pudding will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat bread pudding without losing its texture, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pudding in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes. This method warms it evenly and keeps it soft. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds. Check and repeat if needed. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze bread pudding. First, let it cool completely. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, it won’t get freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, take a piece out and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Using fresh bread changes the texture and flavor. Fresh bread is too soft. It can make your pudding soggy. Day-old bread is drier and absorbs the liquid better. This gives you a firm, custardy base. For best results, always use day-old brioche or challah. For this recipe, I suggest Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith offers a tart bite, balancing the sweetness of the pudding. Honeycrisp adds a sweet and crisp flavor, enhancing the dish. You can mix both for a complex taste. Choose apples that hold their shape when baked. Making homemade caramel sauce is easy. Start by heating 1 cup of sugar in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar melts and turns golden brown. Then, carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt for flavor. Let it cool before drizzling on your pudding. Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. Mix the custard and bread the night before. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you are ready, just bake it. This saves time and lets the flavors blend. It’s a great way to enjoy warm pudding without stress! Bread pudding is a rich, warm dessert that shines with simple ingredients: day-old bread, apple cider, and spices. You'll enjoy the great flavors from fresh apples and caramel. Follow the steps carefully for the best texture. Try variations to make it your own. Remember, storing leftovers keeps it fresh for later. I hope you love baking and sharing this delightful dish. Enjoy every bite!

Apple Cider Bread Pudding with Caramel

Indulge in the delicious taste of Apple Cider Bread Pudding with Caramel! This cozy dessert brings together the warmth of spiced apples and sweet caramel, making it perfect for any occasion. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a comforting treat ready to impress. Click through to discover this delightful recipe and elevate your dessert game! #AppleCiderBreadPudding #FallDesserts #ComfortFood #BakingRecipes
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Ingredients
  

6 cups day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into cubes

2 cups apple cider

1 cup whole milk

3 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) for drizzling

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

    In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter until well combined.

        Once the apple cider has cooled slightly, stir it into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.

          Add the bread cubes and chopped apples to the mixture, gently folding until all the bread is soaked in the custard mixture.

            Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly to ensure an even layer.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

                Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

                  Drizzle individual portions with caramel sauce before serving for an added touch of sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm in bowls or on plates, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel for a delightful dessert.