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- Day-old bread options: You can use 6 cups of day-old bread. Challah or brioche works best. These breads soak up the mixture well and give a rich flavor. - Flavoring components: The magic lies in the mix of 2 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of milk, and 4 large eggs. Add in 3/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon each of vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. A dash of nutmeg and a bit of salt complete the flavor base. - Optional mix-ins: You can add 1 cup of diced Granny Smith apples for a tart bite. If you want, toss in 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. These add texture and taste, making every bite delightful. This combination of ingredients creates a warm, comforting dish. You can easily adjust the flavors based on what you have. Enjoy the process of making this delicious slow cooker apple cider bread pudding. Start by making the liquid mix. In a large bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup milk - 4 large eggs - 3/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt Mix until you see no lumps. This blend gives the bread pudding its rich flavor. Next, prepare your bread. Use 6 cups of day-old bread, like challah or brioche. Cut it into cubes. Day-old bread absorbs the liquid well, making the pudding soft and tasty. Once your bread is ready, it’s time to soak it. Place the cubed bread in the slow cooker. Pour the liquid mix over the bread. Make sure every piece gets soaked. This step is key for the best texture. Now, add in some diced apples. I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. You can also mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or 1/4 cup of chopped nuts if you want some extra flavor and crunch. Just gently fold these in. Set your slow cooker to low. Cover it and cook for 6 to 8 hours. The pudding is done when it’s set and a knife comes out clean from the center. After cooking, turn off the slow cooker. Let the bread pudding sit for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier. Enjoy it warm, drizzled with a bit of apple cider or topped with whipped cream or ice cream if you like! Choosing the right bread is key. I love using day-old challah or brioche. These breads soak up the flavors well. They also stay soft and tasty. Make sure to cube the bread into even pieces. This helps them soak equally. Soaking time can change based on your bread. If you use softer bread, soak it for less time. About 30 minutes is enough. For sturdier bread, you can soak it longer. Just keep an eye on it. You want the bread to be moist but not mushy. Toppings can make your bread pudding shine. You can serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra apple cider adds a nice touch. For added crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top. For sides, consider fresh fruit. A fruit salad or even apple slices works well. You can also serve it with a warm cup of apple cider. This makes a great pairing to highlight the apple flavors in the pudding. Enjoy your tasty creation! {{image_2}} You can change up the taste of your slow cooker apple cider bread pudding. Try using different fruits. Pears or peaches work well with apple cider. They add sweetness and different textures. You could also use dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. They bring a nice tartness and chewiness to each bite. Next, think about spices. Ground ginger or allspice can add a warm kick. If you love a hint of citrus, add some orange or lemon zest. These small changes can create a whole new flavor experience. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many stores sell great gluten-free bread that works well. Just make sure to choose a bread that is dense, like a gluten-free challah or brioche. For vegan adaptations, replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. For sweetening, maple syrup can be a great choice instead of brown sugar. Store your apple cider bread pudding in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, use the microwave for quick warmth. Heat it in short bursts. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot. If you freeze it, wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty treat again! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Mix the bread and liquid the night before. Store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just place it in the slow cooker. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well. What bread works best for bread pudding? Day-old bread is key for this recipe. I like using challah or brioche. These breads soak up the apple cider and milk nicely. They add a rich flavor and soft texture. You can also use French bread or even whole wheat. Just make sure it's a bit stale. Can I replace apple cider with something else? Yes, you can swap apple cider for other liquids. Try using fruit juice like pear or white grape. You can also use a mix of milk and a splash of vanilla extract. This change will give you a different flavor but keeps the dish tasty. This article covered how to make delicious bread pudding. We explored the necessary ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking instructions. I shared tips for texture, serving suggestions, and variations for dietary needs. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them properly. With these simple steps, you can create a tasty dessert that fits any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this dish your own!

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Bread Pudding

Indulge in the warmth of Slow Cooker Apple Cider Bread Pudding, the perfect fall dessert that combines comforting flavors and simple ingredients! This easy recipe features day-old bread soaked in a rich apple cider mixture, complemented by tart apples and optional nuts. It's a hassle-free treat that cooks while you go about your day. Click through to discover how to create this deliciously cozy dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients
  

6 cups day-old bread, cubed (such as challah or brioche)

2 cups apple cider

1 cup milk

4 large eggs

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, milk, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

    Place the cubed bread in the slow cooker. Pour the apple cider mixture over the bread, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently fold in the diced apples, raisins, and nuts if using.

      Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the bread pudding is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

        Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the bread pudding sit for about 15 minutes to firm up.

          Serve warm, drizzled with a little extra apple cider if desired, and topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 6-8 hours | 8 servings