Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding

Embrace the cozy essence of autumn with this indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding. This dessert combines the rustic comfort of a traditional bread pudding with the luxurious creaminess of a cheesecake, all punctuated by tender chunks of tart apples and a rich caramel finish. It is the ultimate treat for crisp evenings or festive holiday gatherings.

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The secret to this dish lies in the textures. By using day-old bread, the custard is fully absorbed, resulting in a bread pudding that is soft and custardy on the inside with a beautifully golden, slightly crisp top. The dollops of caramel cream cheese add pockets of decadence throughout every bite.

Ingredients

• Bread and Fruit: 8 cups brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 standard loaf, day-old preferred); 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced.
• Cream Cheese Mixture: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling); 1 tsp vanilla extract.
• Custard: 4 large eggs; 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt.
• Topping: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp brown sugar.

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2

Arrange the bread cubes and diced apples evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add caramel sauce and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4

Drop dollops of the caramel cream cheese mixture evenly over the bread and apples.

Step 5

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well blended.

Step 6

Pour the custard evenly over the bread, apples, and cream cheese mixture. Gently press down to soak the bread.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Drizzle over the top of the pudding.

Step 8

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown, puffed, and set in the center.

Step 9

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using day-old bread is highly recommended as it has a lower moisture content, allowing it to soak up more of the rich custard without falling apart. If you only have fresh bread, you can lightly toast the cubes in the oven for a few minutes before starting the assembly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch, add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking. You can also experiment with the base flavors by using cinnamon raisin bread instead of plain brioche for added spice and fruitiness.

Serviervorschläge

This dessert is best served warm to keep the caramel and cream cheese soft. Enhance the experience by serving each portion à la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. An extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top adds a beautiful professional touch.

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Whether you are hosting a festive dinner or simply treating your family to a weekend delight, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bread Pudding is guaranteed to be a hit. Its balance of textures and warm, inviting flavors captures the very best of autumn in every spoonful.

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Recipe FAQ

→ What type of bread works best for this dish?

Day-old brioche or challah bread works exceptionally well because their rich, eggy structure absorbs the custard beautifully while maintaining texture. These breads become tender without turning mushy during baking.

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the entire dish up to 8 hours before baking and refrigerate covered. The extra resting time allows the bread to absorb more custard, creating an even creamier texture. Add the butter-sugar topping just before baking.

→ How do I know when it's finished baking?

The pudding is done when the top is golden brown, the center feels set when gently shaken, and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. It should appear puffed and slightly firm to the touch.

→ Can I use different apple varieties?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balanced tartness and ability to hold shape during baking. Other firm varieties like Braeburn or Jonagold work well, but avoid softer apples that may become too mushy.

→ What's the best way to serve this dish?

Serve warm within 10-15 minutes of removing from the oven for the best texture and flavor. Top with additional warm caramel sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for whole milk and heavy cream, use vegan cream cheese, and replace butter with coconut oil. The flavor profile will change slightly but the dessert will still be delicious.