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Have you ever found yourself wide awake in the middle of the night, craving a little culinary adventure? That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this delightful Late Night Caramel Apple Bread Pudding. In one of those sleepless nights, I decided to explore my collection of cookbooks, and there it was—a caramel apple bread pudding recipe that sounded too good to resist. Luckily, I had all the ingredients on hand, and with a few personal touches, a delicious masterpiece was born. It made for a perfect warm treat that night and an outstanding breakfast, lunch, or dinner the next day. Trust me, it’s a dish that pleases any time of the day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread pudding is a beautiful blend of comforting flavors, with cinnamon and nutmeg providing an irresistible kick. Paired with vanilla ice cream, it’s a dessert to remember. The addition of chopped pecans is a great variation if you have them on hand. Perfect for fall or any time you want a cozy dish, it’s an excellent choice for a dessert or breakfast casserole to impress your guests.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale white or wheat bread, cut or torn into small pieces (a mix of both is ideal)
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced small
- 5 whole eggs, beaten
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup Splenda brown sugar blend
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 stick butter, cold
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 bag Kraft caramels, unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with shortening or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes and apple pieces. Transfer this mixture to the baking dish. In the same bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients except for the butter. Once combined, pour this mixture over the bread and apple mix, ensuring even distribution. Allow the bread to soak for at least 15 minutes, or longer if possible. For convenience, you can prepare this the night before, cover it tightly, and bake it in the morning.
- In a microwaveable dish, combine the condensed milk with half the caramels. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until all the caramels are melted and smoothly blended with the milk. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Once the bread has absorbed most of the egg and milk mixture, distribute dabs of butter over the bread and drizzle half of the caramel mixture on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes until the center is set but not dry; it should have a slight jiggle. Allow to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Before serving, warm the remaining caramel sauce for about 18 seconds to thin it and drizzle over each serving. Pair with vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your bread is stale for the best texture; fresh bread might become too mushy.
- Letting the bread soak longer enhances the flavors, so don’t rush this step.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
Additional Tips or Variations
- Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
- For a twist, sprinkle some raisins into the bread mixture before baking.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories, fats, sugars, and other nutritional information will vary depending on specific product brands and portions. Always check with your own nutritional guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the bread and custard mixture the night before and bake it in the morning.
What other toppings can I use? Besides vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar works well.
Conclusion
Give this Late Night Caramel Apple Bread Pudding a try and let it fill your home with its irresistible aroma. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I’d love to hear how yours turns out or any personal tweaks you make. Share your experiences in the comments below!
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