Instant Pot Apple Bread Pudding Recipe

There’s nothing like the smell of warm apple bread pudding to fill your home with all the cozy vibes! This Instant Pot version makes it so easy to whip up a dessert that’s sweet, spiced, and oh-so-comforting—perfect for any season.

Ingredients

For the Bread Pudding:

• Stale cubed bread: The base that soaks up all the custardy goodness. Stale bread works best because it holds its shape and texture.
• Eggs: Acts as the glue for the pudding, binding everything together.
• Milk or cream: Adds richness and creates that creamy custard texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Maple extract: For a pop of extra warmth and sweetness—think fall in a bottle!
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices bring the cozy, aromatic flavors.
• Apples: Adds a fresh, fruity burst and balances the sweetness.
• Raisins: Chewy bites of sweetness to complement the apples.

For the Vanilla Rum Sauce:

• Butter: The base of any good sauce, adding richness.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce with a deep, caramel flavor.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky smooth.
• Rum extract (or real rum): Adds depth and a slight kick of flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and rounds everything out.

How to Make It

Whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, maple extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl to create the custard base. In another bowl, mix the apples, raisins, and bread cubes. Pour the custard mixture over the bread mixture and let it soak for a few minutes to ensure every piece is saturated. Stir gently to combine. Transfer the mixture into a prepared pan and cover tightly with foil.

Add water to the Instant Pot, place the pan on a trivet, and carefully lower it into the pot. Seal the lid and set to manual high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pot naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure. Remove the pan, uncover it, and let it cool slightly before loosening the edges and inverting it onto a serving plate.

To make the sauce, heat butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, rum extract, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens slightly—don’t let it boil! Cool for a few minutes, then drizzle over the bread pudding before serving.

Let me tell you, my husband is a bread pudding fanatic. The first time I made this, he walked into the kitchen, took one whiff, and claimed it smelled like his childhood in a bowl. After one bite, he was sold—he even said, “This is restaurant quality!” Now, anytime he hears the Instant Pot hissing away, he gets excited because it usually means bread pudding is on the menu. This recipe? Total marriage points.

FAQs

Can I use other bread types? Yes, any bread works—French bread, brioche, or even croissants. Just make sure it’s stale for the best texture.
What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? You can bake this in the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes or until set.
Do I need the rum extract in the sauce? Not at all! You can omit it or replace it with vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.

Fun Places to Serve This Dessert

Bring this to a holiday potluck or a cozy family dinner—it’ll be the star of the dessert table! It’s also perfect for brunches or even as a sweet treat after a chilly day outdoors.

How to Store Leftovers

Wrap the bread pudding tightly in plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The sauce can also be refrigerated separately in a jar. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm the sauce on the stovetop.

Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids

Let the kiddos help with cubing the bread (safely, of course) or whisking the custard mixture. They’ll also love sprinkling in the apples and raisins. Bonus: Kids always enjoy drizzling the sauce at the end—it’s like edible art!

Why This Recipe Works

This Instant Pot Apple Bread Pudding is foolproof because the Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of cooking. The water bath ensures the custard is perfectly cooked without drying out or overbaking. Plus, the combination of sweet apples, chewy raisins, and that creamy rum sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s an easy, impressive dessert that’ll have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen—even though you didn’t!

Here are some more amazing desserts to try!