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Walnut and Apple Bread Pudding

Apples and walnuts ripen at about the same time, and are often grown in the same region. Pair them with a crusty, rustic loaf of bread, some spices, milk, and eggs, and you’ve got a perfect dessert for a fall afternoon. Puddings and bread puddings are particularly easy to make in a slow cooker, and the results are nearly always perfect.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cups levain or country bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch (or smaller) cubes
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon or apple pie spice
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 large eggs
Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving
Brown sugar, for sprinkling

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Coat the interior of the slow cooker insert with the butter.

    Step 2

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread, apples, cinnamon, walnuts, and raisins and mix them together as thoroughly as possible. (I use clean hands, the best mixing device I know of.) Place the bread and apple mixture in the slow cooker insert.

    Step 3

    In a blender, combine the milk, sugar, and eggs and blend thoroughly. Gently pour the liquid over the bread, using a spoon to press the bread down into the liquid.

    Step 4

    Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, or until the liquid has been absorbed by the bread and a crust is beginning to form.

    Step 5

    Turn off the slow cooker and allow the pudding to settle for 15 to 20 minutes, then spoon individual portions into bowls and top each portion with a generous serving of whipped cream and a sprinkling of brown sugar.

  2. Suggested Beverage

    Step 6

    Tea or coffee are good choices here. If you can find one, a Canadian apple ice wine would be delightful.

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