Swedish Apple Bread Pudding
A warm, comforting Swedish apple bread pudding featuring tender poached apples, cinnamon, and cardamom, layered with bread and baked until golden and crusty—perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bread slices in a single layer in a shallow pan.
- Evenly drizzle 1/2 cup half and half over the bread.
- In a medium saucepan, mix sugar and water; bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Return to medium heat.
- Add 1/3 of the apple slices and simmer each portion for 3 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon.
- Reserve the sugar syrup from the poaching.
- Line a buttered shallow 2 1/2-quart baking dish with half of the bread.
- Top with half of the poached apples.
- Make a layer of one-third of the bread slices.
- Cover evenly with the remaining apples.
- Layer with the rest of the bread slices.
- Beat eggs; mix in cinnamon and cardamom, then add 1 1/2 cups half and half and the reserved sugar syrup.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled layers.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the top layer is brown and crusty, about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whole milk instead of half and half. You can also substitute the tart apples with sweeter varieties if you prefer a less tangy flavor. If you don't have cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg can work as a substitute. Additionally, try adding raisins or nuts for added texture and flavor. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Swedish Apple Bread Pudding warm, drizzled with a bit of the reserved sugar syrup for extra sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad, such as Indonesian Fruit Salad, to balance the richness of the pudding.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the pudding to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Apple Bread Pudding contains roughly 146 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pudding the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just pour the egg mixture over the layers and cover it tightly. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What type of apples are best for this pudding?
For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonagold. They hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pudding. You can also mix in a few sweeter varieties for added complexity in flavor.
Can I freeze the bread pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the bread pudding after it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).