Name: Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ loaf French bread (about ½ lb); 2 cups apple, diced with skin on (about 1 large apple); ½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped; 4 large eggs; 2 cups milk; ½ cup honey; 1 orange, zested; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon salt; Vanilla ice cream; Caramel sauce

If you’re in the mood for something utterly cozy and delicious, I have to share this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe that literally feels like a hug on a plate. It’s one of those desserts that’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Think tender chunks of bread soaked in a rich, spiced custard with juicy apples and crunchy walnuts—baked to golden perfection and topped with your favorite ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a fall and winter staple in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: You’ll find that it’s incredibly easy to put together, perfect for cozy nights when you want that warm, homemade feeling without fuss.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm spices and bright orange zest complement the natural sweetness of the apples, making every bite so satisfying.
Great Use of Leftover Bread: I love that this recipe rescues day-old bread, turning it into something magical instead of tossing it out.
Customizable and Versatile: Whether you’re dairy-free or want to mix in dried fruit or different nuts, this recipe adapts beautifully to your kitchen preferences.

A square piece of bread pudding is placed in the center of a white plate with a scalloped edge. The bottom layer is a golden-brown baked bread base, soft and slightly crusty on the edges. On top, there is a thick layer of chopped apples with red skin, mixed with small pieces of crushed walnuts that add a rough texture. The colors range from light beige bread, pale yellow apples, to brown nuts. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and on the left side, part of a folded cloth with red, white, and grey stripes is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but carefully chosen to enhance the pudding’s rich texture and comforting flavor. When I shop for this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe, I reach for fresh apples with their skin on for that extra texture and color, and I use French bread because its sturdy crumb absorbs the custard beautifully without getting soggy.

French bread: Day-old works best, as it soaks up the custard without falling apart.
Apples: I stick with firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji that hold their shape well.
Walnuts: Give it a nice crunch, but pecans or almonds would also work great.
Eggs: The binding agent that creates the creamy custard texture.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can substitute with any milk you prefer.
Honey: Natural sweetness that blends smoothly into the custard.
Orange zest: Adds a bright, fresh note that lifts all the warm spices.
Ground cardamom: A subtle, exotic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Cinnamon: The cozy spice you can’t do without in a fall dessert.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce (for serving): Optional but highly recommended for that indulgent finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe can be. Over the years, I’ve played around with different add-ins and substitutions depending on what’s in my pantry and everyone’s dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Gluten-Free Version: Swap out French bread for gluten-free bread slices; just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart. I’ve done this with great success for a friend’s get-together.
Vegan Adaptation: Use almond or oat milk and replace eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseed and water, though expect a slightly different texture.
Fruit Swaps: Pears can be a fantastic substitute for apples, or try mixing in some dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of sweetness.
Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts or replace them with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep that satisfying crunch.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

Step 1: Get the Bread Ready

Start by greasing your baking pan—whether it’s a 7×11 inch, 9×9, or 8×8, make sure it’s well-coated so nothing sticks. I like cubing my French bread into about ¾ inch pieces; this size helps the custard soak in just right without turning mushy. Arrange the cubes evenly in the pan to create a nice base for everything.

Step 2: Whip Up the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until smooth—that little bit of natural sweetness gives the pudding such a lovely depth. Next, add the milk, orange zest, and your warm spices (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger) plus a pinch of salt. Whisk it all until perfectly combined. Here’s a little trick I discovered: if you want super even custard, toss everything in a blender and blitz for a few seconds. It really helps the spices distribute evenly and creates an ultra-smooth mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Soak

Pour the custard over the bread cubes, making sure every piece gets a good soaking—use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down into the custard. Then sprinkle the diced apples and chopped walnuts evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the custard as well. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour; overnight soaking is even better for that custard to fully soak into the bread and meld the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the pudding for about 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your pan’s depth. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly browned and the custard has set—no jiggle when you nudge the pan. Let it sit for 15 minutes after baking; it really helps it firm up and makes serving easier.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

Bread Choice Matters: I always use slightly stale French bread because fresh bread can absorb too much custard and turn mushy.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Refrigerating the pudding before baking really makes the difference between soggy bread and a perfectly custardy texture.
Spice Balance: I love starting with modest amounts of cardamom and ginger—you can always sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top before baking if you want that extra warmth.
Watch Your Bake Time: Depending on your oven and pan size, check a few minutes early to avoid over-baking, which makes the pudding dry.

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe

A piece of thick, golden-brown bread pudding sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface, showing visible chunks of apple inside. The bread pudding is topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which is drizzled generously with a shiny caramel sauce that also drips onto the plate. Small nut pieces are scattered around the ice cream and pudding. A red and white towel is partially visible on the left side in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for serving this apple bread pudding warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into all those cozy spices—but Greek yogurt is a fantastic tangy alternative if you want something lighter. For extra flair, a drizzle of caramel sauce makes it feel like a special occasion dessert every time.

Side Dishes

This pudding can stand alone as a dessert, but if you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread, fresh fruit or a crisp green salad balances the richness really well. I’ve also paired it with spiced coffee or chai tea to play up the warm flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall gatherings, I’ve served this Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe in individual ramekins topped with toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar for that rustic look. It’s a simple touch that makes guests feel extra special. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or add a sprig of fresh mint for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover my leftover bread pudding tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave, holding onto that same rich custard texture — just be careful not to overheat and dry it out.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead of time or save some for later, it freezes well. I portion it into airtight containers or wrap the whole pan securely. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge, then reheating gently to preserve the custard’s creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, I set the oven to 325°F and cover the pudding loosely with foil to prevent drying. It usually takes 15-20 minutes to warm through. Alternatively, single servings can be nuked in the microwave for about 45 seconds to a minute for a quick fix.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this bread pudding?

Absolutely! While French bread is ideal because of its sturdy texture and ability to soak up custard without becoming mushy, you can also use challah, brioche, or even sturdy sandwich bread. Just avoid super soft or thinly sliced bread as it might disintegrate after soaking.
How long can I keep the prepared but unbaked pudding in the fridge?

You can safely refrigerate the assembled, covered pudding overnight—up to 24 hours. This soaking time actually improves the flavor and texture, so feel free to prep it a day ahead of baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the milk for any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. For best results, use unsweetened varieties and keep an eye on the custard texture since plant milks can vary in thickness.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet custard. Soft apples tend to break down too much and can make the pudding watery.
Can I add other mix-ins to the pudding?

Definitely! Apart from walnuts, I’ve added dried cranberries, raisins, or even small chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just be mindful of moisture levels and adjust custard if necessary.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding with Warm Spices Recipe feels like a cozy, nostalgic hug that you get to share with your loved ones. I love how it brings together the crisp, fresh flavors of fall apples with inviting, fragrant spices and the simple goodness of bread and custard. Whenever I make it, my family goes crazy for seconds, and it fills the house with that irresistible aroma that just says “comfort.” So go ahead, give this recipe a try—and I promise it’ll become a sweet tradition you’ll reach for again and again.