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1
For the bread pudding: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. and place a rack in the center of the oven.
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2
Lightly grease four 6-ounce heatproof ramekins with butter.
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Place the ramekins into a baking dish that is large enough to hold them without touching.
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4
Place the bread cubes, apples and raisins in the ramekins, dividing the ingredients evenly.
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5
Using a whisk, beat the eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, butter, Calvados, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
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6
Carefully pour the custard over the bread cubes, pressing the bread cubes down so they are covered with the custard.
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Set aside to allow the bread to absorb the custard, about 15 minutes.
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8
Prepare a water bath: Carefully pour enough hot water into the baking dish so that the water is halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
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(A water bath is used to provide temperature protection for the egg custard.)
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Bake until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 30 minutes.
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11
Another way to judge whether the puddings are fully baked is to gently press down on the center of each.
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12
If any uncooked custard comes up to the top, the pudding needs to be baked a little longer.
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13
Remove the bread puddings from the water bath and cool slightly.
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14
The puddings can be served warm or slightly chilled.
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15
Meanwhile, make the vanilla bean whipped cream: Put the heavy cream and vanilla bean seeds in a large bowl.
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Whisk until soft peaks form.
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Serve immediately with the puddings or refrigerate until ready to use.