Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to whip up something delicious without breaking the bank. With just four main ingredients, this dish is simple yet delightful. It’s no wonder that every time I make it, the plate gets cleaned out in no time!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for those who want a tasty dessert without spending too much time or money. Using stale bread, it’s a great way to reduce waste and create something special. Plus, with the delicious combination of apple pie filling, caramel, and heavy cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
How to Make Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher
Ingredients:
- 8 cups stale bread, cubed
- 1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Spread the cubed stale bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Spoon the apple pie filling over the bread, making sure to distribute the apples and sauce evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, then pour the heavy cream evenly across the dish so that the bread can soak it up.
- Gently press the mixture down with the back of a spoon and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
- Let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes before serving, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
How to Serve Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher
Serve warm, fresh out of the oven, and add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for a sweet finishing touch. You could also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
How to Store Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher
To store leftovers, place the bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher
- Use any type of stale bread you have on hand, like white, whole wheat, or even brioche, for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of caramel sauce according to your sweetness preference.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling some cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking.
Variation
For a chocolatey twist, try using chocolate pudding instead of apple pie filling. You can also add some chocolate chips to create a decadent dessert that everyone will love.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
It’s best to use stale bread for this recipe. If you only have fresh bread, you can dry it out in the oven for a few minutes at a low temperature.
2. How can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative, and choose dairy-free caramel sauce.
3. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for the best results.

Mother-in-law Susan’s 4 Ingredient Penny Pincher
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
- Spread the cubed stale bread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Spoon the apple pie filling over the bread, ensuring to distribute the apples and sauce evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, then pour the heavy cream evenly across the dish for absorption.
- Gently press down with the back of a spoon and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until puffed, golden, and bubbling around the edges.
- Let the bread pudding cool for about 10 minutes before serving, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.







