Baked Apple Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped apples, 2 cups of sugar, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat and simmer until the apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1-1/2 cups of sugar, heavy cream, 1-1/2 teaspoons of vanilla, and a dash of nutmeg until well combined. Fold in the bread cubes and the apple mixture. Transfer the bread pudding to a greased 13x9-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining sugar on top.

3. 3

   Bake the bread pudding, uncovered, for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. 4

   For the caramel sauce, in a small heavy saucepan, combine the 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently to moisten the sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Uncover the pan and continue to boil the sugar mixture until it turns a medium amber color. Immediately remove from heat and carefully stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter. Serve the warm caramel sauce drizzled over the baked apple bread pudding.