Monday, March 4, 2013

Applesauce Bread Pudding



My husband always questions why I have lots of little bags of stale bread and buns in my freezer.  I try to convey to him that there are actually things I MAKE out of that stale bread, like homemade croutons, stuffing, french toast, and this delicious Applesauce Bread Pudding, but I'm not sure he believes me.  Sometimes I think he questions whether or not I am a food hoarder, LOL, but he's wrong (of course).  He IS right that I don't want to waste food or throw anything away that I can turn into something delicious.  Probably the hoarders of the world and I do have that in common. 

Last night I decided to use up some of those stale buns and make one of my favorite desserts ever.  It's been my experience that you either LIKE bread pudding or you DON'T.  I LOVE IT!  My sister-in-law first started making this for my father-in-law.  She most often made Pumpkin Bread Pudding, but her original recipe was for Applesauce Bread Pudding with additions for pumpkin.  It's so creamy and delicious with hints of apple and cinnamon.  Mmmmmm.  I like that it uses regular pantry ingredients plus stale bread.  That's a win-win to me.

I have baked this recipe for bread pudding since I was about 25 years old.  I never take a bite without remembering how much my father-in-law loved this dish and how my sister-in-law made it especially for him.

My favorite way to eat this bread pudding is hot, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Leftovers are stored in the refrigerator and it is almost as good served cold with cool whip, or with nothing at all.  I had some this morning with my coffee.  It resembles breakfast food close enough for me since it is made of bread, milk, eggs, and fruit.

Here's how I make Applesauce Bread Pudding AT HOME MY WAY:


Applesauce Bread Pudding
 
Ingredients:
  • 12 slices of stale bread (cubed or torn into small pieces)
  • 2 Tablespoons margarine/butter (melted)
  • 1 can (16 oz) applesauce (I used homemade)
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
 
Directions:
 
Place cubed/torn bread in a mixing bowl.
 
In separate bowl, combine all other ingredients, mixing well to make sure the eggs are all blended, etc.  Pour this mixture over the cubed bread and stir to combine.
 
Pour into a sprayed or buttered 9 x 13 dish. 
 
Bake at 325 degrees 1 hour or until firm.
 
STORE LEFTOVERS COVERED IN THE REFRIGERATOR.
 
(I usually half this recipe and bake in a pie plate or 8 x 8 square pan.)
 
Tip:  If using smallish hot dog/hamburger buns, you might add an extra slice or two of bread/buns. 
 
 
Unbaked - It should like kind of soupy.
 
 
 
After baking, it kind of puffs up a little bit and browns at the edges.
 
 
 
 
My old recipe.  A bit tattered and well loved.
 
 

The pumpkin version has a few additions and omits the applesauce.  It is so delicious too!  I'll make the pumpkin version
 again soon and take some pictures!
 

2 comments:

  1. Awww.....Gina! You are SO my people :) My hubby thinks the same thing, but he never seems to "get it" when one of us wants to whip something up and we DON'T have to run to the store!! I am all about last-minute-make-do-with-what's-on-hand kinda gourmet :) I just made your sandwich bread and now I can't wait to make the applesauce (or pumpkin) bread pudding!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa, Sounds like we have a lot in common! I am exactly the same. I am always on the look out for solutions so that I DON'T have to go to the store. How was the sandwich bread? I hope it turned out well for you. It sounds funny but I am most fond of making toast with it! Peanut butter toast or cinnamon toast are my favorites. It just tastes better and is a more lasting breakfast made with homemade bread.

    As far as making do, have you tried the homemade brown sugar I have on here? I haven't bought a box of brown sugar since! I even made pumpkin pie with my homemade brown sugar the other day and my oh my! Perfect! I recently discovered the recipe for making homemade baking powder one night when I was making a pan of biscuits and was out. It worked like a dream! I'll post that recipe soon.

    Thanks for commenting! I so love that someone is trying my recipes.

    Let me know how the bread pudding works for you!

    ReplyDelete