Apple-Chai Spiced Bread Pudding – A Warm, Spiced Dessert with Apples
A warm, spiced dessert with apples combining the cozy comfort of bread pudding and chai spices, perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish,
- - Mixing bowls
- - Whisk
- oven
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 cups cubed bread (such as challah, brioche, or French bread), stale
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chai Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- pinch salt
Fruit & Additions
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cubed bread in the prepared baking dish. If the bread isn't stale, lightly toast it in the oven for about 10 minutes to dry slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine diced apples and raisins/dried cranberries (if using). Sprinkle with a little cinnamon and distribute evenly over the bread.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apple mixture, gently pressing down to soak all the bread. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and custard is set. Check doneness by inserting a knife; it should come out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes to allow custard to set further.
- Before serving, optionally dust the top with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe can be easily adapted for vegan or gluten-free diets using substitutions. The chai spices can be adjusted to taste, and nuts or additional fruits can be added for extra texture and flavor.