Chai-Infused Apple Bread Pudding

Warm spices and sweet apples come together in this cozy dessert that's perfect for chilly evenings. It's an easy, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with the inviting aroma of chai and baked goodness.

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TIME1 hr 20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

nonstick cooking spray 8 cups cubed stale bread 2 ½ cups milk 5 green cardamom pods ¾ teaspoon whole allspice berries ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 6 tablespoons butter, divided 1 large apple - peeled, cored, and chopped 1 ¼ cups lightly packed brown sugar, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional) ¼ teaspoon caramel extract (Optional) 4 eggs

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 325°F and greasing an 8-inch square baking dish with some nonstick spray. Toss the cubed bread into the dish and set it aside for now.

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Step 2

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm up the milk along with the cardamom pods, allspice berries, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse those flavors, then take it off the heat and let it cool for 15 minutes. Once cooled, strain the milk to get rid of the whole spices.

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Step 3

Next, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the apple pieces and cook them until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, and caramel extracts until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and give everything a good toss so the bread is nicely coated.

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Step 4

In a bowl, beat the eggs together with the cooled, spiced milk using an electric mixer. Pour this custard over the bread and apples, pressing down lightly on the bread to help it soak up all that liquid. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

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Step 5

Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar evenly on top of the pudding. Melt the last bit of butter in the microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds, then drizzle it over the sugar.

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Step 6

Pop the dish into the oven and bake until the pudding is set and a toothpick comes out clean, which should take between 45 and 60 minutes. You can enjoy it warm or cold—either way, it’s delicious!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use day-old bread for better texture and absorption.
- Soak the bread thoroughly in the chai mixture to infuse maximum flavor.
- Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid drying out the pudding.

Why you’ll love it

This dessert combines warm spices with comforting bread and tender apples. The chai infusion adds a unique twist that makes each bite cozy and flavorful. It’s a perfect treat for chilly days or anytime you want a comforting, spiced dessert.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream also complements the spices nicely. It pairs well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw overnight before reheating.