late night caramel apple bread pudding
I have insomnia off and on, and one night when I was up til the wee hours, I figured I would get some of my cookbooks out and see what I could find to make. I came across a caramel apple bread pudding recipe that sounded so good, and I just happened to have all the ingredients. So, I went to work, and this was the end result with just a tweak here and there to make it my own. I, of course, had to eat some while it was still warm just to make sure it was fit for the family the next morning, and it passed with flying colors. An awesome Sunday morning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. :)
Blue Ribbon Recipe
One of our favorite fall treats is caramel apples. This bread pudding hits the spot if you're craving a caramel apple. It has all the flavors, without the work. The bread soaks up the delicious apple spice and caramel flavor. Adding more caramel on top after baking brings this fall dessert to the next level. This would also make a delicious addition to a holiday dessert table. It's ooey gooey good.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale white or wheat bread (I use a mix of both), cut or torn into small pieces
- 3 cups any kind of apple, peeled and diced small
- 5 - whole eggs, beaten
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 cup Splenda brown sugar blend
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 bag Kraft caramels, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into small cubes and cold
How To Make late night caramel apple bread pudding
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease or spray a 9×13 baking dish with shortening or cooking spray. -
Step 2In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes and apple pieces. Transfer to the baking dish.
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Step 3In the same large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and apple pie spice. Once combined, continue to whisk while pouring over the bread/apple mixture (just to make sure the spices are evenly distributed). Gently combine the bread and egg mixture, making sure each piece of bread is soaking in part of the egg and milk mixture. Allow to stand for at least 15 minutes (longer, if you can; you could even do this the night before, cover it tightly, and then bake it in the morning).
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Step 4Place the condensed milk into a microwaveable dish and put in half the caramels. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Keep microwaving in 30-second intervals until all caramels are melted and blended smoothly with the condensed milk, make sure you add the whole bag of caramels to the milk. This process should take about 3 minutes.
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Step 5When the egg/milk mixture has mostly soaked into the bread, dab the butter over the bread and drizzle half the caramel mixture over the top.
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Step 6Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the center is set but not dry. It will have a slight jiggle to it. Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
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Step 7Just before ready to serve, warm the caramel up again to thin it, about 18 seconds, and drizzle on top of each serving. To make a delicious dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream! Enjoy.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
