Cinnamon Streusel Apple Dessert

A warm and comforting dessert made with cinnamon streusel bread, cream cheese, apples, and a fragrant cardamom custard, topped with sliced almonds.

Ingredients

• 10 slices cinnamon streusel bread
• 1 block cream cheese
• 1 (14-ounce) can apples, drained
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 green cardamom pods
• ½ cup sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the bread: Spread cream cheese evenly over each slice of cinnamon streusel bread. Arrange the slices in a baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
3. Prepare the cardamom custard: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and half-and-half. Open the green cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Add the seeds to the milk mixture and discard the shells.
4. Add the sugar and eggs to the milk mixture. Whisk well until the eggs are fully incorporated and the custard is smooth.
5. Add the apples: Spread the drained apples evenly over the cream-cheese-covered bread.
6. Add the custard: Pour the cardamom custard evenly over the bread and apples, making sure the bread is well coated.
7. Top with almonds: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let stand for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

White Jasmine Recipe Tip

The combination of green cardamom, apples, cinnamon streusel, and almonds gives this dessert a lovely Pakistani-inspired twist while keeping it familiar and comforting.