Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This is an important step, as it ensures even baking.
Peel and core the 12 small baking apples, then slice them very thin. The thinner the slices, the better they will cook down, becoming soft and sweet.
Place the slices in a large mixing bowl. This will be where all the magic happens!
Pour the lemon juice and lemon zest over the apples, along with the nutmeg. Toss the apples gently with a spatula until they are evenly coated. You want each slice to soak up that tangy citrus flavor.
Chop the unsalted butter into several very small chunks. This will help it distribute evenly throughout the pudding, making it rich and delicious.
Grease a 9x13 baking dish with a bit of unsalted butter. This prevents the pudding from sticking and helps it develop a nice crust.
Now, create a single thick layer of apple slices on the bottom of the dish, tilting the dish to ensure the apples cover the entire surface. This is where the layering begins!
Sprinkle a generous layer of brown sugar on top of the apples. The sugar will caramelize as it bakes, adding depth to the flavor.
Dot a few bits of butter across the top of the sugar. This will contribute to a gorgeous golden color and flavor.
Next, sprinkle a thin layer of bread crumbs on top of the butter. This helps create a delightful texture as the pudding bakes.
Continue this layering process — apple slices, brown sugar, butter, and bread crumbs — until the dish is full. Finish with a final layer of bread crumbs on top.
Bake the pudding uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes until the edges brown, the pudding is cooked through, and the apples are soft. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
While the pudding is baking, prepare the cream sauce. Pour the heavy whipping cream into a small pot and warm it slowly over medium heat, whisking occasionally. This will prevent it from scorching.
When the cream begins to boil, whisk in the powdered sugar, nutmeg, and almond extract. Remove from heat. This sauce will be rich and delicious!
Strain the sauce through a mesh strainer or sieve into a serving dish to remove any lumps. This step ensures a smooth sauce.
Serve warm sauce over hot slices of Apple Bread Pudding. This is not a thick sauce, so stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. It’s best enjoyed immediately!
