Apple Cinnamon Bread Pudding

• 4 slices cinnamon swirl bread
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large apple, cored, peeled and cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons packed light brown sugar for sprinkling on top
• Powdered sugar for dusting

(Pure maple syrup for drizzling (if desired)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and lightly spray four 2 cup ramekins with non stick cooking spray. 2. Cube bread into 1/2 inch pieces and divide evenly between ramekins. 3. Place eggs, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla into a large bowl, whisk to combine. Place butter into a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute apples for 1 minute then add brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook and stir for another minute. Transfer apples and drippings into cream mixture then divide between ramekins over bread. Top with 1 tablespoon brown sugar on top then bake for 30-35 minutes, until puffed and cooked through. Remove and dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with just a touch of pure maple syrup if desired.

Note: This can also be made in one casserole dish, just increase the bake time to 45-50 minutes.

Original recipe found at www.picky-palate.com.