Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting desserts that feel like a warm hug, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe. This isn’t your average bread pudding – it’s packed with tender apples, buttery brioche, and a silky bourbon sauce that just takes it over the top. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how easy it was to make, yet how spectacular it tasted. Stick with me here; I promise you’ll love how this turns out!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe plays a key role in balancing texture and flavor. I suggest picking ripe apples with a good balance of tartness and sweetness, and brioche or challah bread for that buttery softness that soaks up custard beautifully.

• Brioche or Challah Bread: These breads have a tender crumb and buttery flavor that makes the pudding extra rich.
• Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice texture after cooking.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a mild caramel sweetness that complements the apples and sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for controlling salt levels while bringing richness.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with the apples and sugar.
• Salt: A pinch balances out the sweetness and elevates the flavor.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the custard base.
• Eggs: The backbone for the custard, giving the pudding its classic texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps the bread brown beautifully.
• Heavy Cream: For the bourbon sauce to keep it silky and luscious.
• Bourbon: The star of the sauce, adding warmth and complexity.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on the season or what I have on hand — you should feel free to get creative too! Tweak the fruit or swap out the bourbon sauce for something else if you want, but honestly, the original is so good, it’s hard to beat.

• Apple Substitutions: I’ve tried using pears or a mix of apples and pears, and it’s just as amazing with a slightly different flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Bourbon Sauce: Leave out the bourbon and add a splash of vanilla extract instead for a kid-friendly option.
• Spice it Up: When I want a cozier fall vibe, I toss in nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk and butter for coconut milk and vegan butter — it still turns out rich and delicious.

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread for Extra Texture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes until they’re lightly golden. I like this step because it helps the bread hold up better in the custard without getting soggy. If your bread is already stale or dry, you can skip this and jump to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While your bread toasts, toss the chopped apples, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and cook until the apples soften and the sugar melts, about 5 minutes. This step infuses the apples with buttery sweetness and spice—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding

In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and sugar until smooth. Add the toasted bread to your casserole dish, pour the warm apple mixture over it, then gently toss everything with a rubber spatula until the bread is nicely coated and distributed. Finally, pour the custard mixture on top. I always let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking so the bread soaks up all that delicious custard – it makes a world of difference in texture.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pudding uncovered for around 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top is beautifully golden. Here’s a little trick I learned: insert a toothpick or sharp knife in the center—when it comes out clean, your bread pudding is ready. Resist the urge to overbake; you want it custardy and soft on the inside but golden on top.

Step 5: Whip Up That Legendary Bourbon Sauce

While the pudding bakes, melt brown sugar and butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth (4-5 minutes). Stir in the heavy cream and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Then add the bourbon and let it simmer for a minute more to meld those rich flavors. A little tip—I stir it every couple of minutes as it cools to keep the sauce silky and prevent butter separation.

Step 6: Serve It Warm

Pour the bourbon sauce generously over warm slices or scoops of the bread pudding and dig in! It’s best enjoyed fresh but still holds up well if reheated (more on that below).

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the bread pudding with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for some crunch and a fresh dusting of cinnamon. Sometimes I add a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream — because why not? These little touches turn every bite into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea on the side. If you’re serving it as part of a dinner menu, light salads or roasted vegetables make a nice contrast, keeping the meal well balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I love serving the pudding in individual ramekins with the bourbon sauce drizzled over each one at the table—it feels so elegant and personal. You can also scoop it into decorative glasses for a fun twist if you’re hosting a brunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The bread pudding actually tastes great the next day once flavors have settled. Just remember to keep the bourbon sauce separate until serving to prevent it from sogging up the pudding.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well for this recipe—after baking, let it cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers. When I thaw it, I do so in the fridge overnight to keep the texture intact. Just reheat it gently and add fresh bourbon sauce once warmed.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the pudding with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This avoids drying it out. Microwave reheating can be uneven, so I reserve that for quick bites. Drizzle warmed bourbon sauce on top just before serving for that fresh, boozy finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s comforting, delicious, and packed with flavors that make you feel right at home. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking to make something truly memorable for your family or guests. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation just like it did in mine!

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