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As the leaves begin to swirl down and the air takes on a crisp bite, there’s nothing that warms the soul quite like a comforting dessert fresh from the oven. My journey into creating this Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard started one chilly afternoon when I had a few apples yearning for attention and a loaf of bread left over from the week. The delightful aroma of cinnamon mixed with sautéed apples filled my kitchen, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and warmth.

This isn’t just any bread pudding; it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and spice. The creamy cottage cheese custard adds a unique twist that elevates this dessert to new heights, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or a heartwarming treat after a long day. With its golden top and tender apple layers, every bite invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the season. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why is Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding irresistible?

Comforting aroma: The scent of warm cinnamon and sautéed apples wafting through your kitchen will evoke cozy memories and anticipation.
Delightfully creamy: The unique cottage cheese custard adds a rich, pleasant texture, setting it apart from traditional recipes.
Perfectly sweetened: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, it strikes just the right balance of flavors without being overpowering.
Effortless prep: With just a few steps, this easy recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile delight: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, making it suitable for any occasion!

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding

Cubed Bread (6 cups) – Day-old sourdough or brioche works best for this decadent pudding.
Apples (2 medium, peeled and diced) – Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add the perfect sweetness and fruitiness.
Butter (2 tbsp) – Provides richness and flavor; coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute.
Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic spice that’s quintessential for fall.
Maple Syrup (1 tbsp for apples, ¼ cup for custard) – Naturally sweetens the pudding, enhancing its overall flavor.
Cottage Cheese (1 cup) – Adds a delightful creaminess to the custard; Good Culture 2% is preferred for best results.
Milk (1 cup) – Any milk of choice adds essential moisture to the mixture.
Greek Yogurt (¼ cup) – Brings extra creaminess and a hint of tang to the custard.
Eggs (3 large) – These bind the mixture together, helping create that luscious custard consistency.
Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp) – Enhances all of the flavors beautifully.
Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – Adds an extra layer of warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Salt (Pinch) – Balances the sweetness for a more rounded taste.

For Serving

Toppings (optional) – Candied pecans, warm maple syrup, or flaky sea salt elevate the experience.

For Salted Caramel Sauce

Coconut Cream (½ cup) – The base of your luxurious sauce; use the thick part from a can for the best texture.
Coconut Sugar (⅓ cup) – A lovely sweetener that brings a subtle caramel flavor.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the sauce’s flavor and aroma.
Flaky Sea Salt (½ tsp) – A sprinkle at the end elevates sweetness for a perfect balance!

This Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard is bound to become your go-to indulgence for cozy occasions!

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures the pudding rises perfectly and doesn’t stick to the edges.
Sauté butter, apples, cinnamon, and syrup in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples soften slightly, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
Blend cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a blender until smooth. This creamy mixture is the heart of your custard, making it delightfully rich!
Layer cubed bread in the greased baking dish, gently pressing down. Add half of the sautéed apples, more bread, and then the remaining apples on top to ensure even distribution.
Pour the cottage cheese custard mixture over the bread, pressing gently to coat all pieces. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread can soak up all that delicious custard.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If it crisps too much, cover with foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to finish cooking through.
Cool slightly before serving warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of yogurt, or a scoop of ice cream for that perfect touch.

Optional: Top with candied pecans for extra crunch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

Bread Choice: Use day-old sourdough or brioche for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too mushy during baking, so let it sit out to dry for a bit.
Apple Selection: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are recommended for their sweetness and firmness. Avoid mealy varieties to ensure they hold their shape.
Custard Consistency: Blend the cottage cheese mixture until completely smooth; this will create a creamy custard. Lumpy custard can lead to an uneven texture in your Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding.
Soaking Time: Allow the assembled pudding to sit for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the bread absorb the custard, resulting in a more flavorful pudding.
Golden Top: For an extra crispy top layer, broil the pudding for a minute or two at the end of baking. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning!

How to Store and Freeze Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding

Fridge: Store the pudding in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer: Freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the pudding at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.

Reheating: For a fresh-baked taste, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed and crispy on top. Enjoy your comforting Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard!

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to this recipe and explore new flavor dimensions for a delightful twist!

Fruit Swap: Replace apples with pears or mixed berries for a refreshing alternative that brightens up the dish.
Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and swap cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative, making it perfect for vegan guests.
Spice it Up: Incorporate ground ginger or cloves for a warm and aromatic flavor that enhances the fall vibes.
Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the bread layers for an irresistible crunchy texture with every bite.
Maple Enhancement: Drizzle extra maple syrup over the top before serving for a luscious, sweet finish that complements the custard beautifully.
Savory Touch: Experiment with adding a pinch of rosemary or thyme to the apples for an unexpected savory note.
Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Toss in dark chocolate chips alongside the apples for a decadent twist that adds depth to your pudding.
Caramel Swirl: Layer in some salted caramel sauce within the pudding for bursts of sweet indulgence that create delightful surprises.

Try these variations to make this comforting dish uniquely yours!

Make Ahead Options

These Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard make-ahead tips will save you time on busy mornings or special occasions! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply prepare the sautéed apples and cottage cheese custard as directed, layer them with the cubed bread, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven preheated to 350°F. This will ensure the pudding maintains its delicious texture and flavor, yielding a delightful treat that’s just as scrumptious as when freshly made!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard?

Creating a complete meal around this warm dessert will elevate your dining experience while fueling delicious conversation.

Warm Maple Syrup: A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds rich sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon apple flavors, enhancing every delightful bite.
Candied Pecans: The crunchy, caramelized nuts offer a delightful contrast to the creamy pudding, while their nutty flavor complements the sweet apples beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting atop the warm bread pudding creates a delightful temperature contrast, making each mouthful utterly indulgent.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Serve a side of Greek yogurt layered with fresh berries to add a tangy freshness that balances the sweetness of the pudding while also enhancing the overall meal presentation.
Spiced Hot Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider resonates with the fall theme, offering cozy flavors of cinnamon and assorted spices to complete the sensory experience.
Chai Latte: A creamy chai latte, with its blend of spices, enhances the comforting flavors of the bread pudding and creates an inviting atmosphere for your guests.
Chocolate Drizzle: For decadent lovers, a light drizzle of dark chocolate sauce elevates the dessert’s appeal, creating a luxurious finish that captivates the taste buds.

Each of these suggestions will harmonize with your Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding, leading to a heartwarming meal that feels just like home.

Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard, I recommend using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They are both naturally sweet and firm, which adds a delightful texture and flavor to the pudding. Avoid mealy varieties like Red Delicious, as they won’t hold up well during baking.

How should I store any leftovers?
Great question! You can store the pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F for a warm, comforting treat!

Can I freeze Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding?
Of course! Freezing this pudding is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

What should I do if the custard ends up lumpy?
Oh no! If your custard turns out lumpy, don’t despair. This can happen if the cottage cheese isn’t blended long enough. To salvage it, simply pour the mixture back into your blender and blend until completely smooth. This ensures a creamy texture for your Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding with Cottage Cheese Custard.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very good to think about! This recipe contains dairy from cottage cheese and yogurt, so it’s not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. However, you can easily adapt it by using dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt. Just ensure that your cottage cheese substitute has a similar texture for best results.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the pudding the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake in the morning. Just allow an extra few minutes for baking time if it’s chilled. Enjoy your baking!