Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding – Cozy & Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts Classic

Ever craved a dessert that feels like a warm hug? I get it—when the holidays roll around, I hunt down the best [Thanksgiving Desserts] to impress family and sidestep those predictable pies. This Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding sits at the crossroads of nostalgia and pure comfort. It steals the show among Thanksgiving Treats and even outshines some Thanksgiving Side Dishes when it comes to crowd-pleasing.

IMO, nothing beats the smell of cinnamon, apples, and bread baking together. My grandma whipped this up every year, and I swear the kitchen smelled so good we’d forgive her for burning the turkey 😉 This recipe ranks high in my list of Thanksgiving Baking Recipes and Thanksgiving Food Ideas—plus, it doubles as a fun twist on traditional Thanksgiving Food Recipes.

Ever wondered why bread pudding feels like cheating on a crisp apple pie? It soaks up all that sweet custardy goodness and delivers it in bite-size squares. FYI, it’s also one of the easiest Thanksgiving Desserts Easy recipes you’ll try—no fancy techniques, just pure, unfiltered yum. Ready to dig in?

Ingredients

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes (French or brioche works best)
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: handful of walnuts or pecans for crunch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt until fully blended. The aroma will hit you immediately—amazing, right?
3. Add the bread cubes and sliced apples into the custard mix. Gently stir to coat every piece. Let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread soaks up the custard.
4. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Spread it evenly, ensuring apples peek through the top. Then drizzle melted butter over everything—this locks in flavor and gives a golden crust.
5. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top. This adds a fun crunch that contrasts with the soft pudding—trust me, you want this texture play.
6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like the best Thanksgiving Appetizers, but make sure this stays your centerpiece!
7. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. I know it’s tough to wait, but that short pause helps everything set perfectly.
8. Scoop into bowls or slice into squares. Drizzle with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
9. Serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—pure bliss.
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for that fresh-baked feeling.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative spins to keep this dish exciting:

• Spiced Pear Pudding: Swap apples for pears and add a pinch of ground ginger. It delivers a gentle warmth and pairs well with a drizzle of honey.
• Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chips before baking. Chocolate + apple is surprisingly delightful—give it a shot.
• Berry Medley: Stir in 1 cup of fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries). It brightens the flavor and turns this into one of the most vibrant Fun Thanksgiving Desserts you’ll find.

Each variation keeps you firmly in the realm of Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas, ensuring you never feel stuck rehashing the same old recipes.

Serving & Tips

Serving this Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding feels like introducing your dinner guests to a warm family secret. It works as a standalone showstopper or pairs perfectly with other Thanksgiving Treats like pumpkin pie or pecan bars.

Serving Suggestions

For a fancy brunch, top slices with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Hosting dinner? Offer bowls of whipped cream, chopped nuts, and extra cinnamon for DIY station vibes. Your guests will love customizing their portions.

Storage & Make-Ahead

You can assemble this pudding a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. When guests arrive, just pop it into the oven for the same 45–50 minutes at 350°F. This hack gives you more time to tackle Thanksgiving Side Dishes or sneak in a glass of wine :).

Pro Tips

• Use slightly stale bread! It soaks up the custard better and avoids a soggy bottom.
• Don’t skimp on the spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring that quintessential holiday vibe.
• Room-temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly, ensuring a silky custard.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce milk by ¼ cup and add an extra slice of bread.

These tips turn a simple recipe into one of the best Thanksgiving Baking Recipes you’ll ever master.

Final Thoughts

I still smile thinking about how this Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding became my signature Thanksgiving Desserts Recipes. It feels like teamwork with my grandma, each bite echoing her kitchen’s warm chaos and laughter. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the variations, you’re in for a treat.

Next time someone asks for “Thanksgiving Food Ideas,” you know exactly what to suggest. Enjoy the cozy flavors, the simple prep, and the happy faces around your table. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread?

Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free loaf and follow the same soaking time. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Cover the pudding with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes. You can also zap individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Swap milk with almond or oat milk, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water each), and use vegan butter. It works surprisingly well.

What apples work best?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp offer a nice tart-sweet balance and hold their shape during baking. Feel free to mix varieties for extra flavor depth.

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