There’s something irresistibly comforting about bread pudding — warm, custardy, and packed with rich flavors. But if you follow a vegan lifestyle, traditional bread pudding can seem off-limits due to its reliance on eggs, milk, and butter.
Fear not! This best vegan bread pudding recipe will satisfy your cravings with its creamy texture and naturally sweet taste, all without any animal products.
It’s perfect for cozy nights, brunches, or even dessert when you want something nostalgic yet wholesome.
This recipe uses simple plant-based ingredients that you likely have in your pantry, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like dried fruit or nuts. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring dairy-free desserts, this bread pudding offers a delightful twist on a classic.
Ready to create a luscious, dairy-free treat that everyone will love? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan bread pudding is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make — no complicated techniques or rare ingredients required.
You simply soak cubes of stale bread in a luscious plant-based custard, then bake until golden and bubbling.
Additionally, the recipe is versatile. You can use any type of bread, from crusty sourdough to soft challah (try our Marzipan Challah Recipe for an extra special touch).
The spices and vanilla add warmth and depth, while the optional additions like raisins or nuts give it delightful texture.
Finally, it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions because it’s entirely free of eggs, dairy, and refined sugars if you choose natural sweeteners. This means everyone at the table can indulge without worry.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed stale bread (about 8-10 slices, day-old works best)
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ¾ cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Vegan butter or coconut oil for greasing the baking dish
Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish generously with vegan butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the bread cubes. Tear or cut your stale bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and place them in the large mixing bowl.
- Make the custard mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine bread and custard. Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes. Gently fold with a spatula to coat all the bread evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes to allow the bread to soak and absorb the liquid.
- Add optional mix-ins. If using raisins, dried cranberries, or nuts, fold them into the soaked bread mixture now.
- Transfer to baking dish. Pour the soaked bread mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly and pressing lightly to compact.
- Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the pudding will be set but still moist inside.
- Cool and serve. Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup or vegan whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, use bread that is a day or two old — it will soak up the custard without turning mushy.”
- Sweeten naturally: Feel free to swap maple syrup with coconut sugar or date syrup for different flavors.
- Fruit options: Fresh berries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas can be added before baking for extra freshness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger for a warm, exotic twist.
- Use different breads: Brioche, challah, or even vegan croissants can elevate the texture and flavor. For an authentic experience, check out our Marzipan Challah Recipe.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free bread and ensure your plant milk is certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 230 kcal |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugars | 12 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan bread pudding is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple touches. A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
Fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also brighten the dish beautifully.
For a cozy brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or your favorite coffee. If you want to try more vegan desserts, check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe for a rich, creamy Mexican treat.
Conclusion
This best vegan bread pudding recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to enjoy a classic, comforting dessert. The combination of warm spices, creamy plant-based custard, and hearty bread creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and nourishing.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday, or a simple weeknight treat, it’s sure to become a favorite.
It’s also a great way to reduce food waste by using up stale bread, transforming it into a luxurious dessert. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different breads and add-ins to make it your own.
For more creative vegan recipes and baking inspiration, explore our Magic Dough Recipe or try the savory side with our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan style). Happy baking and enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Bread Pudding Recipe
Description: A rich and comforting vegan bread pudding made with coconut milk and warm spices. Perfect as a cozy dessert or breakfast treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread cubes (about 8 slices, cubed)
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk coconut milk, maple syrup, cornstarch, almond milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Add bread cubes and raisins, gently tossing to coat evenly.
- Let the mixture soak for 10 minutes to absorb the liquid.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and drizzle melted vegan butter on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the pudding is set and golden on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 42g
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