Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding
A cozy bread pudding combining tart northern apples and dense rye bread, accented with warm spices and a touch of maple syrup. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, layers Rye bread, cubed, Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced, Eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (about 10 slices) Rye bread, cubed
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 4 large Eggs
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
- Step 2: Place 6 cups cubed rye bread and 3 diced peeled Granny Smith apples in the prepared dish, tossing to combine.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and apples, gently pressing down to soak the bread. Let sit for 15 minutes to absorb.
- Step 5: Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden and the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Step 6: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm, optionally drizzled with extra maple syrup.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Northern-Inspired Apple and Rye Bread Pudding?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
