Save Indulge in the ultimate fall comfort food with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding. This decadent dessert features caramel cream cheese, tender apple chunks, and a rich custard, all baked to golden perfection. It is a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn in every spoonful.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the layering of flavors. By whisking softened cream cheese into the caramel-spiced custard, you create a silky texture that balances the buttery cubes of bread. As the pudding bakes, the tartness of the apples cuts through the sweetness, ensuring a balanced and satisfying dessert.
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
To ensure a smooth custard, make sure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature. You will need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a 9x13 inch baking dish, and a rubber spatula for preparation. Please note that this recipe contains milk, eggs, and wheat (gluten).
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking. If you want to vary the fruit, you can easily substitute pears for the apples for a different seasonal flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this bread pudding warm for the best texture. It is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Each serving contains approximately 390 calories.
Save This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding is the perfect way to end any meal on a high note. With its rich, comforting layers and sweet caramel drizzle, it's a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate overnight. The bread will absorb more custard, creating an even creamier texture. 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 because their rich, eggy structure absorbs custard beautifully while maintaining texture. Stale bread works even better than fresh—cut into cubes and let sit overnight for optimal absorption.
- → How do I know when it's done baking?
The pudding is ready when the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The center should still have a slight jiggle but not appear liquid. It will continue to set as it cools.
- → Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or a 175°C (350°F) oven until warmed through.
- → What apples are best for this dessert?
Granny Smith provides tart contrast to the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness. Both hold their shape during baking. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious that can become mushy.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute full-fat coconut milk and cream for the dairy products, and use vegan cream cheese and butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.