Bread Pudding With Apples, Pecans and Raisins

• tablespoons unsalted butter↗4
• loaf cinnamon, raisin white bread torn into bite-size pieces↗1⁄2
• cup brown sugar, packed↗1⁄2
• cup pecan halves↗1⁄2
• orange, juice and zest of, large↗1
• cup apple cider↗1⁄4
• tablespoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon rum↗1
• small baking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith)↗8
• 1/2 cup blackberry jam or 1/2 cup jelly↗1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the bread and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until well coated.

4. 4

   Add the sugar, pecans, orange zest and juice, cider, and vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until a sauce begins to form.

6. 6

   In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, layer the bread mixture with the apples and dot the top with the jam or jelly.

7. 7

   Bake 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly.