Apple Croissant Bread Pudding
Recipe from Sunny Cho
Flaky, buttery croissants meet spiced apples and a silky vanilla custard in this fall-inspired twist on classic bread pudding. Toasted croissant cubes soak up a rich custard before baking into a crisp-topped, tender dessert that’s just begging for a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of warm apple filling.
Watch the Recipe
25 minutes
45 minutes
8
What You'll Need
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
8 day-old croissants, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 green apples, diced
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (mixed)
Pinch of salt
For the Custard:
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
Step 1
Toast the croissants: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the croissant cubes on a baking sheet and toast until lightly crisped and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Step 2
Prepare the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, apple pie spice, salt, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
Step 3
Cook the apples: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and their juices begin to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute, until the mixture becomes glossy and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4
Assemble the pudding: Line a medium baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange half of the toasted croissants in an even layer, spoon over half of the spiced apple mixture, and repeat once more with the remaining croissants and apples. Slowly pour the custard evenly over the top, pressing gently to help the croissants soak up the liquid. Let stand for 30 minutes to absorb.
Step 5
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 6
Serve: Allow the pudding to cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream and spoon over any leftover warm spiced apples. Enjoy.
Sunny Cho
Sunny Cho is a Los Angeles-based food stylist and celebrity chef, known for her work on Food Network and HBO shows like Guy’s Grocery Games and Selena + Chef. She’s traveled the world creating recipes and hosting events for top athletes, chefs, and brands. With a passion for Asian, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisines, Sunny brings a global flair to everything she creates.
