Bread pudding is a comforting, nostalgic dessert beloved across many cultures, and the Indian twist on this classic brings a burst of warm spices and vibrant flavors that make it truly special. For those following a vegan lifestyle, this Indian vegan bread pudding recipe offers a delicious and compassionate alternative without compromising on taste or texture.
Utilizing plant-based ingredients and traditional Indian spices like cardamom and saffron, this pudding is creamy, fragrant, and packed with wholesome goodness.
Whether you have leftover bread or want a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or festive occasions. It’s easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and can be customized with your favorite nuts and dried fruits.
Plus, it’s a delightful way to introduce the rich culinary heritage of India into your vegan dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Indian vegan bread pudding is a perfect blend of simplicity and exotic flavor. It’s:
- Richly spiced with cardamom, saffron, and a hint of nutmeg to evoke traditional Indian desserts.
- Vegan-friendly, replacing dairy with coconut milk and plant-based alternatives without losing creaminess.
- Flexible – you can use any kind of bread, nuts, and dried fruits you have on hand.
- Moist and tender, with the perfect custard-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Budget-friendly, making use of leftover bread and pantry staples.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to impress your guests while keeping the dessert wholesome and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale bread cubes (white or whole wheat)
- 2 cups coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup almond milk or any other plant-based milk
- ¾ cup maple syrup or date syrup
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped almonds or cashews
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup raisins or chopped dried apricots
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (for greasing)
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking dish or similar size
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small saucepan (for warming milk)
- Aluminum foil or lid (optional, for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the stale bread into 1-inch cubes. If your bread is fresh, toast it lightly to dry it out.
- Soak the saffron: Place the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm almond milk and set aside to release color and flavor.
- Make the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cardamom, nutmeg, soaked saffron with milk, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Combine bread and custard: Add the bread cubes, chopped nuts, and dried fruit to the custard mixture. Gently fold everything together to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to soak.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish with coconut oil.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the soaked bread mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the pudding is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the pudding cool for 10 minutes before serving. It tastes excellent warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, toast the nuts lightly before mixing them in. You can also swap in coconut sugar or jaggery for a more traditional Indian sweetness.”
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a deeper spice profile.
- Fruit options: Try dried figs, cranberries, or fresh mango chunks for a tropical twist.
- Nut-free: Replace nuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you have allergies.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or homemade chickpea flour flatbread.
- Serve chilled: Refrigerate leftovers for a refreshing cold dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 15 g (natural sweeteners) |
Calcium | 150 mg |
Iron | 2 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian vegan bread pudding pairs beautifully with a dollop of coconut yogurt or a drizzle of warm vegan caramel sauce. You can also serve it alongside a cup of spiced chai or a refreshing herbal tea for a complete indulgent experience.
For a festive touch, sprinkle a handful of edible rose petals or extra chopped pistachios right before serving. It also makes a lovely breakfast or brunch option when topped with fresh seasonal fruit.
If you want to explore more comforting dessert recipes, check out my Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or the refreshing Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. For a savory balance, you might enjoy the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
This Indian vegan bread pudding is a celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s a wonderful way to elevate simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that everyone can enjoy—vegan or not.
The fragrant spices and creamy plant-based custard blend seamlessly with the crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to make and versatile enough to adapt to your pantry and taste preferences. Embrace the cozy vibes of this spiced pudding and share a slice of Indian-inspired vegan goodness with your loved ones.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Bread Pudding Indian Vegan Recipe
Description: A delicious vegan twist on classic bread pudding infused with Indian spices and coconut milk. Perfect as a comforting dessert or breakfast treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups stale vegan bread, cubed
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup jaggery or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking dish with coconut oil.
- In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, jaggery, flax egg, vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add bread cubes, nuts, and raisins; mix gently to coat.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to absorb liquids.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden on top.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 38 g
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