Name: Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf Martin’s Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Potato Bread; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 large eggs; ¼ cup sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 21 ounce can apple pie filling*; ½ cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces; ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup light brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of salt; Vanilla ice cream; Caramel sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

I absolutely adore cozy desserts, and this Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites. There is something truly magical about combining warm cinnamon-spiced bread with juicy apple pie filling, all baked into a luscious pudding that’s tender on the inside and topped with a crispy, buttery crumble. It’s a comforting treat that I love making to share with friends and family, especially when the air starts to feel chilly and I want a dish that feels like a big, delicious hug.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

What makes this recipe so special to me is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cinnamon raisin swirl bread brings a subtle sweetness and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apple pie filling. I find the warm spices and fruit come together like a cozy autumn day in dessert form. The crumbly oat topping adds an irresistible crunch that makes every bite satisfying and exciting, contrasting the soft, custardy center perfectly.

Another thing I love is how straightforward this Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe is to prepare. It’s the kind of recipe that feels gourmet but doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. You simply mix, soak, top, and bake. It’s ideal for anytime you want a comforting dessert without fuss — perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or even a special weeknight treat. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is pure happiness in itself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth underneath. Each plate has a square slice of a crumbly, textured dessert with a golden-brown color and oat topping. On top of the dessert is a smooth, round scoop of white ice cream, slightly melting. Around the dessert on the plates are swirls of light brown caramel sauce, creating a shiny contrast with the ice cream. To the side, there is a baking pan filled with more dessert, showing the same crumbly top layer. Two silver forks rest nearby, and a small jar with more caramel sauce is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, combining to create the rich flavor, comforting texture, and beautiful golden color of this pudding. Each one adds its own special layer to the dish.

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Potato Bread: The star base of the pudding, adding sweetness and a soft, tender crumb perfect for soaking.
Whole Milk and Heavy Whipping Cream: These create a creamy custard that soaks into the bread, making every bite rich and luscious.

Large Eggs: Eggs help bind everything and add structure to the pudding so it holds together beautifully when sliced.
Sugar and Light Brown Sugar: A combo that brings sweetness and a slight caramelized depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Cinnamon: Spices the pudding warm and inviting with that classic apple dessert flavor we all love.

Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that elevates the custard beyond ordinary.
Apple Pie Filling: The juicy, spiced apples bring bright flavor and moisture, making the pudding feel indulgent yet homey.
Cold Butter: Used in the topping for that buttery crunch that completes the texture contrast.

Old Fashioned Rolled Oats and All-Purpose Flour: Together in the topping, they add rustic texture and structure to the crumble.
Pinch of Salt: To enhance all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce (optional): Delicious finishing touches that make serving even more special.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This sets the perfect temperature for a slow, even bake that softens the bread and crisps the topping just right.

Step 2: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. This helps the pudding release easily after baking.

Step 3: Cut the loaf of cinnamon raisin swirl potato bread into roughly 1-inch square pieces. Spread these evenly on the bottom of the baking dish so you get a nice, uniform base.

Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy whipping cream, eggs, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pieces. Gently mix it together using a spatula or your hands to make sure each bread cube is well-coated in the liquid.

Step 6: Allow the bread and custard mixture to sit for a few minutes. This resting time lets the bread soak up the liquid, ensuring the pudding will be moist and tender inside.

Step 7: Spread the apple pie filling evenly on top of the bread and custard mixture, distributing the chunks and syrup throughout the dish.

Step 8: In a medium bowl, combine the cold butter, oats, flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the topping becomes crumbly. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients a few times in a food processor.

Step 9: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface of the pudding.

Step 10: Place the baking dish on the center rack of your oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or guests. Prep time clocks in around 15 minutes since the steps are straightforward and mostly hands-on. The baking time, as mentioned, is approximately 45 minutes, with an extra 15 minutes for cooling before enjoying. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes to produce a dessert that feels like it took much longer. The resting times are important — they truly elevate the texture and flavor.

How to Serve This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, ready for baking. There is a white bowl with three large white eggs, a white bowl filled with white flour, and another white bowl containing light brown rolled oats. A small white bowl holds cubed yellow butter, while another small metal bowl contains a dark liquid, likely vanilla extract, and a separate metal bowl has ground brown cinnamon. A small white bowl is filled with light brown sugar, and another clear small glass jar holds a creamy white liquid. There is a clear measuring cup containing milk, and an open can with slices of yellow pineapple. In the center, there is a bright purple package of Martin’s Cinnamon Raisin Swirl bread with images of cinnamon swirl bread on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe, I love to keep things cozy and classic. Warm from the oven, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is almost mandatory in my book. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully against the warm, spiced pudding. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top is heavenly and adds a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the cinnamon and apple perfectly.

For a beautiful presentation, I like to serve it in individual ramekins or plates, spooning generous portions with the crumble topping intact to keep that delightful crunch. Garnishing with a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a fresh mint leaf adds a touch of color and elegance if you’re serving guests. This dish works wonderfully for brunch gatherings, holiday dinners, or as a comforting weekend dessert with loved ones.

Beverage-wise, I’ve found a warm cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee enhances the flavors beautifully. For an evening occasion, a glass of lightly spiced apple cider or even a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling complements the pudding’s fruit and spice notes superbly. I always encourage experimenting with your favorite drinks because it can bring a whole new experience to this already delightful dessert.

Variations

I absolutely love experimenting with this Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe, and there are so many fun twists you can try. For instance, swapping out the cinnamon raisin swirl bread for a gluten-free bread option makes this dish accessible to friends with dietary restrictions without sacrificing that soft texture. I’ve also played around with using coconut milk and a flax egg replacement to make a vegan version — it’s surprisingly good and still quite indulgent.

If you want to switch up the flavors, you might try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the oat topping for extra crunch and nuttiness. Or, for a tart contrast, swap out the apple pie filling for fresh pears or even a mixed berry compote. I’ve also used ginger or nutmeg as additional spices during fall to add some warmth and depth. Another fun idea is baking individual portions in muffin tins for easy single servings that bake a bit faster and look adorable on a dessert platter.

For a slightly different texture, I sometimes bake the pudding in a water bath to create a creamier, custard-like interior, which is another delicious variation. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe serves as a fantastic base to get creative while still delivering all the familiar comforts of a classic bread pudding.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a batch, I gently cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days. I find glass containers work best since they don’t retain odors and are easy to reheat from. It’s a great dessert to make ahead without worrying it will lose its charm the next day.

Freezing

This Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe freezes beautifully if you want to save some for later. I suggest portioning it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture intact and avoid sogginess.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover bread pudding is in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it through evenly and crisps up the oat topping again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make the topping soggy and the bread a bit gummy. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave for short bursts and then pop it under the broiler for a minute to revive some crunch, but the oven method is always my go-to for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend cinnamon raisin swirl potato bread for its flavor and texture, you can substitute with challah, brioche, or even a sturdy country white bread. Just make sure it’s slightly stale or day-old as fresher bread may soak up too much liquid and get mushy.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

With a few substitutions, yes! Use a gluten-free bread and swap all-purpose flour in the crumble topping for a gluten-free blend. Also double-check that your oat flakes are certified gluten-free to keep things safe.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire pudding a day before, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add the crumble topping and bake as directed. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for entertaining.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy topping and warm the pudding evenly. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture at its best.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping is one of my favorite tweaks for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut or drizzle melted caramel or honey for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s the kind of heartfelt dessert that brings warmth and joy no matter the occasion. Once you taste its comforting blend of sweet cinnamon, tender apples, and buttery crumble, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved classic for me. I can’t wait for you to experience the cozy goodness and share it with the people you love!