Apple Walnut Bread Pudding
A warm, comforting bread pudding infused with apples, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, perfect for a cozy dessert or brunch with a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush bread slices with melted margarine and cut into cubes. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until toasted.
- Place toasted bread cubes into an 8-inch square pan.
- Add chopped apples and chopped walnuts to the bread cubes.
- Toss gently to mix.
- In a medium bowl, beat low-fat milk, cholesterol-free egg product, and vanilla with a whisk until well blended.
- Add the vanilla cook-and-serve sugar-free pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the milk mixture; stir until smooth.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the bread, apples, and walnuts in the pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brioche or challah instead of white bread. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. If you want added sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup over the pudding before serving. Ensure the apples are tart, like Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Apple Nut Pudding Cake With Rum Sauce for a comforting dessert spread. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness of the bread pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until warmed through. You can also bake individual servings in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore some of the original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Walnut Bread Pudding contains roughly 1046 calories, with 11g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries can be great substitutes or additions. Just ensure the fruit complements the flavors and adjust the sugar if needed based on the fruit's sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the bread pudding before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this bread pudding gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Check that all other ingredients, particularly the pudding mix, are gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).