Apple Almond Bread Pudding - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb loaf cinnamon-raisin bread, cut into small cubes (8 cups)
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 (7 ounce) box odense almond paste, grated
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups diced apples, peeled
8 large eggs
3 cups half-and-half cream
1/4 cup butter, melted

Preparation

Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Evenly spread bottom with 1/2 bread cubes (4 cups).
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add Almond Paste and raisins. Mix with fingers until the texture of crumbs. Add apples and toss to combine. Evenly sprinkle filling across bread. Top with remaining 4 cups bread cubes and press down firmly.
Beat eggs, Half & Half and butter until well mixed. Pour slowly across bread. Cover with plastic wrap and press down so all cubes are covered with liquid. Refrigerate a minimum of two hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 425\u00b0F Bake for 30-35 minutes or until puffed, golden and firm to the touch. Rest for 15 minutes before cutting, and sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with maple syrup.