Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

If you love cozy, comforting desserts, then you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe. I absolutely adore how the warm spices mingle with tender apples and custardy bread, and the bourbon sauce? Oh, it’s the perfect rich, boozy drizzle that takes this classic up a notch. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this fan-freaking-tastic dessert, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe all come together in such a satisfying way. I like to make sure my bread is either slightly stale or toasted to help it soak up that creamy custard perfectly, and using tart apples balances the sweetness just right.

• Brioche or Challah Bread: I prefer brioche for its buttery flavor, but challah works just as well; day-old or lightly toasted is best to avoid sogginess.
• Apples: I usually reach for tart varieties like Granny Smith to add a little tang that cuts through the richness.
• Light Brown Sugar: This adds a deep caramel flavor to both the apple filling and bourbon sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Use real butter for that silky texture; it really enhances every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Cinnamon: This spice is key for that warm, comforting autumn flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
• Whole Milk: I find whole milk gives the custard a creamy richness that skim or 2% can’t match.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs bind the pudding together and create that custardy texture.
• Sugar: Use granulated sugar to sweeten the custard perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Needed for the luscious bourbon sauce.
• Bourbon: Adds warmth and complexity — the star of the sauce!

Variations

What I love about this Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can adapt it to your taste or dietary needs while keeping that rich, homey vibe intact.

• Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Sometimes I toss in toasted pecans or raisins for extra texture and flavor — my family goes crazy for that crunch.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter and cream; the pudding still turns out creamy and delicious.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves to the apple filling for a more complex spice profile.
• Non-Alcoholic Sauce: Just omit the bourbon and add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce — still divine!

How to Make Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Bread Cubes

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Spread the bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they’re lightly toasted. This helps the bread absorb the custard without turning mushy. If your bread is already stale and dry, you can skip to the next step — I discovered this shortcut when I was short on time, and it worked like a charm!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the bread toasts, toss the diced apples, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften and the sugar melts into a fragrant syrup. I love how this step fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma that makes me hungry before the pudding even hits the oven!

Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and sugar until smooth. Pour the toasted bread cubes into your greased casserole dish, then spread the warm apple filling evenly over the bread. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together so the bread is coated and the apples are well distributed. Pour the custard mixture on top and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes — this soak time is key for that perfect custardy interior. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. You want the custard to set but still be soft and creamy inside, with a lightly crisp and golden top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so start checking at 35 minutes if your oven runs hot.

Step 5: Make the Bourbon Sauce

While the pudding bakes, combine the brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth, then whisk in the cream and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, add the bourbon and let the sauce simmer gently for another minute. Remove from heat and stir every couple of minutes as it cools to prevent separation. This sauce is pure magic and the best reason I came back to this recipe again and again.

Step 6: Serve Warm with Sauce

Spoon this incredible bourbon sauce over warm slices of bread pudding just before serving. It’s indulgent, comforting, and will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my bread pudding with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar to add texture and a little extra sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs beautifully—there’s something so nostalgic and indulgent about that combo, especially on chilly evenings.

Side Dishes

To keep things cozy, I serve this with a hot cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea. It also works as a warming finish to a fall dinner alongside roasted pork or turkey, making it a versatile option that fits into holiday menus effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes bake the bread pudding in individual ramekins for beautifully portioned servings. Drizzling the bourbon sauce tableside adds a bit of drama and makes guests feel like they’re getting a restaurant-quality dessert at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), I cover the bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen after a day in the fridge.

Freezing

I’ve frozen individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, and they thaw nicely without losing texture. Just freeze before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which revives that fresh-baked charm better than a microwave. If you want, drizzle some warmed bourbon sauce on top after reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce Recipe has become a go-to comfort dessert in my house, especially when the weather turns cool and everyone’s craving something cozy and nostalgic. I love how it’s approachable enough for weeknight treats but elegant enough for special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s way easier to make than you expect, and your family or guests will be absolutely smitten with that warm, boozy sauce. I can’t wait for you to make this in your kitchen and start your own delicious tradition!

Print