Apple Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk: A Sweet and Comforting Dessert
Apple Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk is a rich and delicious twist on the classic dessert. With chunks of sweet, tart apples, buttery bread, and the creamy sweetness of condensed milk, this dessert is perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting treat. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience. This recipe takes approximately [1-1.5 hours] to prepare and cook.
Critical Ingredients for Apple Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk
Selecting quality ingredients is crucial for this recipe. Bread, apples, and condensed milk form the foundation, each contributing unique textures and flavors.
- Bread: Stale or day-old bread is typically best as it soaks up the custard without becoming mushy. Choices like French bread, brioche, or even challah work wonderfully.
- Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are the best varieties for baking, as they hold their shape well and balance sweetness and acidity.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: It acts as both a sweetener and a thickener, adding a luscious texture to the pudding.
- Additional Ingredients: Eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract round out the flavors, creating a rich and spiced dessert.
Why Use Condensed Milk in Bread Pudding?
Condensed milk is a critical component in this recipe for several reasons. It imparts an unparalleled creaminess, offering a richer texture than regular milk or cream. The concentrated sweetness of condensed milk also reduces the need for added sugar, streamlining the recipe. You can substitute condensed milk with coconut or almond milk to accommodate dietary preferences.
How to Choose the Best Apples for Bread Pudding
Choosing a suitable apple variety is essential for the perfect texture and taste. Tart apples like Granny Smith contrast the pudding’s sweetness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp offer a balanced flavor.
- Tart vs. Sweet Apples: Use tart apples for a sharper flavor, which pairs well with the sweetness of condensed milk.
- Texture: Firmer apples are preferred; they hold up better during baking and don’t turn mushy.
- Preparation: Always peel and slice the apples thinly for even cooking.
Preparing the Bread for Pudding
Stale bread works best for bread pudding because it soaks up the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy. If you don’t have stale bread, you can dry out fresh bread by toasting it lightly in the oven.
Cooking the Apples for Enhanced Flavor
Caramelizing the apples in butter with a touch of cinnamon elevates their flavor. Sautéing brings out the apples’ natural sugars, adding a deeper flavor to the pudding.
Making the Condensed Milk Custard
Creating a custard with condensed milk is simple. Combining eggs, condensed milk, and vanilla creates a rich and smooth base. Whisk the eggs thoroughly to avoid curdling while baking.
Assembling the Apple Bread Pudding
When assembling the pudding, evenly distribute the bread and apples in the dish. Pour the custard slowly to ensure that every piece of bread is soaked.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake the pudding at 350°F until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking process typically takes about 40-45 minutes.
Tips for Serving Apple Bread Pudding
Apple bread pudding is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel sauce.
Creative Variations of Apple Bread Pudding
- Raisins and Nuts: Add raisins or chopped nuts to the pudding for texture.
- Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spicy flavor.
FAQs About Apple Bread Pudding
1. Can I use different types of bread?
Yes! Brioche, challah, or French bread works beautifully for this recipe.
2. What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are great choices for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, adding a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy texture of the pudding.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or coconut milk.
4. Is this dessert too sweet?
The tart apples and optional toppings like whipped cream balance the sweetness of the condensed milk. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to reduce the sugar to your liking.
5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pudding and refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of creamy condensed milk, tender apples, and spiced bread creates a luscious dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. The custard soaks into the bread for a rich texture, while the baked apples add a delightful freshness.
Conclusion
Apple Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. This recipe will become a favorite with its rich flavor, tender texture, and simple preparation. Try it today and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of fall!
Apple Bread Pudding with Condensed Milk
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 6 cups of stale bread, cubed (preferably brioche or, challah, or frech bread)
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (option)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Bread Pudding
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Spread the cubed bread evenly in the dish. Scatter the diced apples over the bread.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the bread and apples, pressing down gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes, allowing the bread to soak up the mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pudding is set and a knife inserted into the center comes clean.
Make the Caramel Sauce
- Gather all the ingredients and mix them in a small or medium saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and loses its watery consistency (6-9 minutes). It will thicken more as it cools.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling over the bread pudding.
Serve
- Serve warm apple bread pudding, topped with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a whipped cream dollop to create your unique dessert.