Golden baked pudding combining caramel cream cheese, fresh apples, and rich custard for the ultimate comfort dessert.
# Components:
→ Bread & Dairy
01 - 6 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 4 large eggs
→ Fruit
07 - 2 medium apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
→ Sweeteners
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar
→ Spices & Flavorings
10 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
# Method steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - 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.
03 - Whisk in the eggs, then gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the custard is smooth and homogeneous.
04 - Add the bread cubes and diced apples to the custard mixture. Gently fold until all pieces are well coated. Allow to soak for 10 minutes.
05 - Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top if desired.
06 - Bake for 45 to 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.
07 - Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
