Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pudding because it’s warm, gooey, and bursting with comforting flavors. The chocolate-chip brioche swirls make it soft and buttery, while the caramel and apple filling adds richness and sweetness. The cinnamon brings that familiar, cozy aroma, and the custard ties everything together with a creamy finish. It’s perfect for when I want a quick dessert that still feels indulgent and homemade.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

300g packet brioche swirls with chocolate chips
1/2 cup thick caramel (dulce de leche)
410g can apple slices pie fruit
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
600ml carton vanilla custard
45g (1/3 cup) pecans, coarsely chopped
Icing sugar, to dust

Directions

I start by preheating my oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) and greasing a 4.5cm-deep, 1.5L (6-cup) baking dish.

Next, I slice the brioche swirls in half horizontally and spread the dulce de leche over the bottom halves. I arrange these, spread-side up, across the base of the prepared dish. Then I evenly spoon the apple slices over the top and sprinkle everything with ground cinnamon.

I pour the vanilla custard evenly over the mixture so it soaks into the brioche. Then I place the brioche tops on top, pressing them down gently, and sprinkle the chopped pecans over everything.

I bake the pudding for about 30 minutes, covering it loosely with foil halfway through if it starts to brown too quickly. When it’s ready, the custard should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. I let it cool for about 10 minutes, then dust the top with icing sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 8 people and takes just 40 minutes total — 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for when I need a delicious dessert without much effort.

Variations

Sometimes I add a handful of raisins or sultanas between the layers for extra sweetness. When I want a richer flavor, I drizzle a little extra caramel over the top before baking. I’ve also made this using plain brioche or croissants instead of scrolls — it still turns out beautifully. For a nut-free version, I skip the pecans or replace them with chocolate chunks.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I let the pudding cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in the oven at 160°C for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for 30–40 seconds per portion. It tastes just as comforting reheated, especially with a little extra custard poured over the top.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a few hours ahead and bake it just before serving.

Can I use croissants instead of brioche swirls?

Absolutely — croissants or even thick slices of brioche loaf work perfectly.

What can I use instead of dulce de leche?

I use caramel sauce, toffee spread, or even Nutella for a chocolatey twist.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes, I simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds or chocolate chips.

Can I use homemade custard?

Definitely. Homemade custard makes it even richer and more luxurious.

Do I need to drain the apple slices?

No, I just spoon them directly from the can — the syrup adds moisture and sweetness.

Can I use fresh apples?

Yes, I cook sliced apples lightly in butter and sugar until tender before layering.

How do I stop it from burning on top?

I cover it loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent overbrowning.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best warm, but it’s also lovely chilled with a drizzle of extra custard or cream.

What’s the best topping to serve with it?

I love it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel.

Conclusion

This Apple and Cinnamon Scroll Custard Pudding is one of my favorite quick desserts — sweet, creamy, and comforting. I love how the soft brioche soaks up the custard and caramel, creating a pudding that’s rich but not heavy. Whether I serve it after dinner or as a weekend treat, it’s always a hit and the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special.