Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, nostalgic flavors of apple pie with the rich, custardy texture of bread pudding—all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker! This isn't just a dessert; it's a culinary hug that transforms simple ingredients into a mind-blowing treat that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this Apple Pie Bread Pudding is about to become your new go-to comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the bread by cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Use day-old bread for best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs the custard mixture more effectively.
- Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes. Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add the bread cubes and diced apples to the custard mixture, gently folding to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly and ensuring bread is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours. The pudding is done when the center is set and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Optional: For a golden top, transfer the pudding to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface is lightly caramelized.
- Let the bread pudding rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Always use day-old bread for the best texture. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively, creating a more luxurious pudding.
- Apple Variety: Choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a nice tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Even Coating is Key: When mixing bread and apples with the custard, fold gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly grease your slow cooker to make serving and cleanup easier.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Slow and steady wins the race. Let the pudding cook on low heat to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For a beautiful golden top, consider the quick broiler method mentioned in the recipe to add a caramelized finish.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the pudding rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly, and don't be afraid to get creative with toppings like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
