Baked Apples With Cranberry Molasses Bread Pudding

Name: Baked Apples With Cranberry Molasses Bread Pudding
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 qts. cubed (1/2-in.) brioche or seedless challah (about 12 oz.); 12 Pink Lady or Golden Delicious apples (6 lbs. total), or some of each; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup dark molasses; 6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled; 2 large eggs; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans; 1 1/4 cups cranberries, cut in half; Vanilla ice cream

Servings: persons

1 1/2 qts. cubed (1/2-in.) brioche or seedless challah (about 12 oz.)
12 Pink Lady or Golden Delicious apples (6 lbs. total), or some of each
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup dark molasses
6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 1/4 cups cranberries, cut in half
Vanilla ice cream

1
Preheat oven to 200u00b0 with rack in lowest position. Bake bread in a large rimmed pan until crisp, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool.
2
Meanwhile, peel the top quarter of each apple and, using a melon baller, scoop out stem, core, and enough of inside so that walls of apple are about 1/2 in. thick (don't break through bottoms). If needed, trim bottoms slightly so apples sit upright.
3
In a large bowl, whisk sugar, molasses, butter, eggs, half-and-half, ginger, vanilla, and nutmeg to blend. Increase oven to 325u00b0. As it heats, bake pecans in a shallow pan until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
4
Add bread and cranberries to molasses mixture; toss to coat. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until two-thirds of liquid is absorbed, 12 minutes. Stir in pecans.
5
Generously stuff apples with bread mixture, mounding it. Set in a 9- by 13-in. baking dish plus a smaller shallow dish.
6
Bake until each apple is very tender when pierced, about 1 hour; check after 40 minutes and tent loosely with foil if they're getting dark. Serve warm in shallow bowls with ice cream and caramel sauce.
7
Make ahead: Prepare through step 5 and chill airtight up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature (2 1/2 hours) before baking.
8
Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

826

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 qts. cubed (1/2-in.) brioche or seedless challah (about 12 oz.), 12 Pink Lady or Golden Delicious apples (6 lbs. total), or some of each, 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup dark molasses, and more.

Yes, Baked Apples With Cranberry Molasses Bread Pudding falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!