Save Experience the ultimate comfort food with this decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding. This dish marries the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, nostalgic flavors of a classic bread pudding, making it the perfect centerpiece for autumn celebrations or cozy weekend treats.
Save Every spoonful of this bread pudding delivers a symphony of textures. The buttery bread cubes absorb the spiced custard completely, while the diced apples provide a refreshing sweetness that balances the rich, gooey caramel drizzle on top.
Ingredients
- 6 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 300 g)
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with the caramel sauce until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt; mix until well combined.
- Step 3
- Whisk in the eggs, then gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the custard is smooth.
- Step 4
- Add the bread cubes and diced apples to the custard mixture. Gently fold until all pieces are well coated. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 5
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top if desired.
- Step 6
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Step 7
- Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest custard, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature before you begin mixing. Don't skip the 10-minute soaking time, as this allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, ensuring a moist pudding rather than a dry one.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this recipe by adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking for an extra layer of crunch. For a different fruit profile, substitute the apples with ripe pears, which pair beautifully with the caramel and cinnamon.
Serviervorschläge
This dessert is best served warm, shortly after cooling. Enhance the indulgence by topping each serving with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a cloud of fresh whipped cream, followed by an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Save Whether shared at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a quiet indulgence, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding is a guaranteed way to bring comfort and joy to any dessert table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the refrigerator.
- → What type of bread works best?
Brioche or challah are ideal due to their rich texture and ability to absorb custard without becoming mushy. Day-old bread works exceptionally well.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, individual portions freeze well for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The top should be golden brown and the custard set in the center. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean, not wet.
- → What apples are best for this dish?
Granny Smith provides tart contrast to the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. Firm varieties that hold their shape during baking work best.