Apple bread pudding is a sophisticated autumn dessert, fit for any occasion.

This swirled loaf makes for a dessert with a soft texture and irresistible flavor.

Bread pudding originated in England in the 11th century.

Southern Living Apple Bread pudding on a plate to serve

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The dish was later brought to America by early settlers.

Sauteed apples are added to the base for a tender, fruity touch of autumn.

Bread pudding can be prepared the night before so it’s ready to bake in the morning.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding ingredients

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To prepare bread pudding in advance, assemble as directed, wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Bake fresh before serving, whether for breakfast or dessert.

), peeled and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-in.

southern living apple bread pudding

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cubes

3cupsheavy cream

4large eggs

1large egg yolk

1/4cupgranulated sugar

1tsp.ground cinnamon

1(16-oz.)

cinnamon-raisin bread loaf, cut into 3/4-in.

Stir in bread cubes; let stand 5 minutes.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding cooking the apples

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Stir in cooked apples.

Fill baking dish:

Sprinkle 2 Tbsp.

turbinado sugar into a buttered 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding whisking together the eggs and milk

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Add bread-and-apple mixture to dish, and spread in an even layer.

Sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp.

(Bread pudding will puff to top of dish and pull away slightly from sides as it bakes.)

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding adding the bread and apples to the cream mixture

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Serve warm with Apple Brandy Creme Anglaise andBaked Cinnamon Apples(optional).

Whisk together cream, egg yolks, and sugar in a 2-qt.

Pour through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding preparing the dish with butter and sugar

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Stir in apple brandy or bourbon.

Add cinnamon stick, if desired.

Fill a large bowl with ice.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding adding the bread pudding mixture to the prepared dish

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Place bowl containing cream mixture in ice, and let stand, stirring constantly, 30 minutes.

Cover and chill 1 hour to 3 days.

Bread can be fresh or stale for bread pudding.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding sprinkling with the sugar before baking

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Some cooks prefer using stale bread for added texture.

Bread pudding is traditionally a great way to use up stale bread.

Bread pudding can be assembled in advance, and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding after baking

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It can also be baked ahead and stored in the refrigerator, then reheated before serving.

see to it your bread pudding is set before removing from the oven.

If in doubt, use a small knife to poke the center.

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding cooking the custard for the sauce

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Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding straining the custard

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Southern Living Apple Bread Pudding chilling the custard

Credit:Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless