Rebel Float Root Beer Caramel Apple (Print)

Rich bread pudding with caramel apples, infused with root beer, and topped with silky caramel sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ Bread Base

01 - 8 cups (approximately 400 g) day-old brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
04 - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
05 - 1 cup (240 ml) Rebel Float Root Beer (or preferred root beer)
06 - 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Caramel Apples

10 - 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1/3 cup (65 g) light brown sugar
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Sauce

14 - 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) Rebel Float Root Beer
17 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
18 - Pinch of salt

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and caramelized, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, root beer, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
03 - Add the cubed bread and the prepared caramelized apples to the custard mixture. Gently toss to ensure all bread pieces are evenly coated. Allow the mixture to soak for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
04 - Pour the soaked bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the center.
05 - While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until it begins to turn an amber color. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in the root beer, whisking constantly as it will bubble vigorously. Stir in the heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
06 - Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle generously with the warm root beer caramel sauce just before serving.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour for a sophisticated yet comforting dessert
  • Uses simple ingredients that create complex flavors when combined
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving
  • Customizable with nuts or different apple varieties
02 -
  • This dessert can be assembled the night before and baked fresh for maximum convenience
  • The root beer flavor intensifies overnight making it even more delicious as leftovers
  • Each serving provides a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft custardy center
03 -
  • For the ultimate texture contrast tear rather than cut some of the bread pieces creating irregular shapes that create both crispy edges and soft centers.
  • When making the caramel sauce use a light colored pan if possible so you can accurately judge the color of the caramelizing sugar. The perfect amber color happens just before it would burn.
  • Always let the bread pudding rest for at least 10 minutes after baking this setting time improves both flavor and texture dramatically.

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