2cupsbaking apples, peeled and sliced *see Note 1 for apple suggestions
1/4cupraisins, optional
1 3/4cupsmilk, 2 or 3% milk recommended
3/4cuplight brown sugar
2Tablespoonsbutter
2largeeggs
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1teaspoonvanilla extract
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Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. (not fan assisted)
Baking Pan: If you have a cast iron skillet (10-inch top diameter), it is ideal here, as it can be used on the stove-top and in the oven for baking the bread pudding. If not, use any skillet on the stove-top, then after mixing together in the large bowl, spoon into any oven-safe baking dish (7x11 or 9x9) or similar size that allows the pudding to be about 2-inches deep before baking.
Add the cubed bread to a large bowl and set aside. Melt 2 Tablespoons butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared apples and raisins and cook, stirring, until apples soften slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Spoon the apples and raisins over the bread cubes in the large bowl.
Using the same skillet, add the milk, brown sugar, and remaining 2 Tablespoons butter. Stir to combine and then heat over medium heat on the stove-top until butter is melted. Pour the milk mixture over bread/apple mixture in the bowl. Stir to combine.
In a measuring cup, whisk the eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla together. Pour egg mixture over bread/apple/milk mixture in the large bowl. Spoon mixture into the cast iron skillet or baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden and set and the apples are tender, about 40 to 50 minutes.
Allow to stand in the pan for at least 5 minutes before eating, or allow to cool, cover and refrigerate if making ahead. Refrigerate up to 2 days.
Serve warm drizzled with heavy whipping cream or topped with a scoop of ice cream. This is also nice drizzled with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
To re-heat, place into a 350F oven, loosely covered with aluminum foil, until warmed, about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
Note 1: I used Cortland apples here. Other good baking apple choices are Granny Smith, Spartans, Crispin, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Braeburn, Northern Spy or Golden Delicious.Be sure to read the notes above this Recipe Card, for more tips on making this recipe.