Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

There is nothing quite like the aroma of warm cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the house on a chilly Christmas morning. This Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding is the ultimate holiday comfort food. It turns simple ingredients into a decadent, custard-like treat that feels fancy enough for a celebration but is easy enough for a lazy morning. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe combines the tartness of fresh apples with the sweet warmth of cinnamon and the rich texture of buttery bread. It is the perfect way to use up leftover bread while creating a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. Let’s dive into how you can make this cozy classic for your loved ones this season.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 345 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 310mg

Why Make This Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

Making this bread pudding is a wonderful holiday tradition because it is incredibly forgiving and versatile. It is the perfect “make-ahead” dish, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time opening presents with your family. The combination of textures—the crispy golden top and the soft, pudding-like center—is truly irresistible.

Beyond the taste, this recipe is budget-friendly. It uses pantry staples like eggs, milk, and sugar, along with seasonal apples. It is a fantastic way to minimize food waste by using day-old bread, transforming it into something much more magical than a simple toast. Plus, the festive scent it leaves in your kitchen is better than any holiday candle!

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

Creating this holiday masterpiece is a simple process of layering flavors. You will start by preparing your bread and fruit, then whisking together a rich spiced custard to bind everything together before baking it to golden perfection.

Ingredients

• 6-8 cups of day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large casserole dish with butter to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick and develops a nice crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread and Apples

Place the cubed bread and diced apples into a large mixing bowl. If you are using raisins or pecans, add them now. Gently toss the ingredients together so the apples are evenly distributed among the bread cubes, then pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and fragrant.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Slowly pour the custard mixture over the bread and apples in the baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press the bread down so every piece is submerged or coated in the liquid. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes; this allows the bread to soak up the custard for a moist interior.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The bread pudding is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil halfway through.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven. For a truly festive touch, dust the top with powdered sugar to look like fallen snow. You can also drizzle it with warm caramel sauce, maple syrup, or a simple vanilla glaze. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side adds a lovely temperature contrast that melts into the warm bread.

How to Store Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

If you have leftovers, allow the pudding to cool completely before covering the dish with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain the texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding

The secret to the best bread pudding is using “stale” or dry bread. If your bread is fresh, cube it and leave it out on the counter overnight, or toast the cubes in a low-heat oven for 10 minutes. This prevents the pudding from becoming soggy. Also, try to use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the custard.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a boozy holiday twist, soak your raisins in rum or bourbon before adding them. If you love crunch, swap the pecans for walnuts or slivered almonds. For an even richer flavor, you can replace half of the sugar with brown sugar to add a deep molasses note to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this bread pudding the night before?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking as directed.

Q: What is the best bread to use for bread pudding?

Rich, sturdy breads like Brioche, Challah, or even French bread work best. They hold their shape well and absorb the custard without falling apart.

Q: Can I use dairy-free milk?

Absolutely. You can substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Q: Should the apples be cooked before adding them?

It isn’t necessary to cook them beforehand if they are diced small. They will soften beautifully during the 50 minutes of baking time.

Q: Can I freeze bread pudding?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven to restore its texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Christmas Bread Pudding is a heartwarming dish that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Simple, sweet, and satisfying, it is the kind of recipe that creates lasting memories around the breakfast table. We hope this cozy treat brings an extra bit of joy to your Christmas celebrations this year!

Print