Vegan Bread Pudding Recipe – A Classic Dessert Recipe

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Finding the perfect dessert that aligns with a vegan lifestyle can often be daunting. When cravings for something sweet and comforting strike, the options seem limited.

That’s where the magic of a Vegan Bread Pudding Recipe comes into play. Drawing from my journey towards a more plant-based diet, I’ve encountered the challenge of reinventing classic comforts to fit this lifestyle.

The revelation that traditional dishes can be transformed into vegan delights without sacrificing flavor or texture was a game changer.

This recipe not only satisfies those dessert cravings but does so in an inclusive way, using ingredients that celebrate veganism. It’s a testament to how creativity in the kitchen can lead to discovering mouthwatering solutions everyone can enjoy.

What Is Vegan Bread Pudding? 

Vegan bread pudding is a plant-based version of the classic dessert without animal products. It substitutes dairy milk and eggs, traditional recipe staples, and vegan-friendly alternatives like plant-based milk and egg replacers.

Ingredients such as stale bread are soaked in these alternatives, sweetened with natural sugars or syrups, and flavored with spices like cinnamon and vanilla.

The result is a creamy, comforting, ethical, and environmentally conscious dessert, perfect for vegans and those looking to reduce their animal product consumption.

Fact– Research shows that using stale bread for bread pudding reduces food waste and provides the perfect texture, absorbing flavors more effectively than fresh bread.

Recipe Directions 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Melt The Butter: Add the vegan butter to a microwave-safe dish. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.
• Prepare The Bread: Cut your bread into cubes, about 1-inch long on each side.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the plant-based milk, apple sauce, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
• Coat The Bread: Add your cubed bread to the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the wet mixture.
• Transfer To Baking Dish: Transfer your bread pudding mixture to a medium-sized casserole dish (I used 9-inch x 7-inch). Use a spatula to ensure the mixture is spread evenly across the dish.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top just turns golden brown.
• Cool And Serve: Allow the bread pudding to rest for 10 minutes after baking. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm and enjoy

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Vegan Bread Pudding: Stir in a cup of vegan chocolate chips before baking for a gooey, chocolatey twist.
• Berry Vegan Bread Pudding: For a fruity flavor, fold in a mix of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
• Pumpkin Spice Vegan Bread Pudding: For a fall-inspired dessert, add pumpkin puree and a mix of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves) to the liquid mixture.

Add-Ons

• Nuts and Seeds: For a crunchy texture, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almond slivers. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds also work well.
• Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for sweetness and texture.
• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the mixture for a bright, citrusy note.

Toppings

• Vegan Whipped Cream: A dollop of vegan whipped cream on top adds a creamy finish.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with vegan caramel sauce for a decadently sweet topping.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a simple, sweet touch.
• Fruit Compote: Serve with a warm berry or apple cinnamon compote for extra fruitiness and warmth.
• Coconut Yogurt: A spoonful of coconut yogurt can add a tangy contrast to the sweet, soft pudding.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms For meat: Their umami flavor and meaty texture make mushrooms (especially portobello and shiitake) perfect for replacing beef or pork.
• Jackfruit For Pulled Pork: Young green jackfruit has a texture similar to shredded meat, which is ideal for vegan pulled pork dishes.
• Cauliflower For Chicken: Cauliflower’s versatility allows it to mimic chicken, especially in buffalo or fried preparations.
• Lentils For Ground Meat: Cooked lentils provide a hearty, protein-rich base for sauces, tacos, or shepherd’s pie.
• Eggplant For Fish: When sliced and seasoned, eggplant can emulate the texture of fish, making it suitable for vegan fish recipes.
• Chickpeas For Tuna: Mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayonnaise and spices create a convincing tuna salad alternative.

Quick Tip– Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your plant-based milk for the best texture in vegan baking. It creates a vegan “buttermilk” that enhances moisture and lift.

Best Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad A light, refreshing balance to the rich pudding.
• Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Adds a cool, creamy texture contrast.
• Maple-Glazed Roasted Nuts Offers a crunchy, sweet complement.
• Coconut Whipped Cream A dollop adds a luxurious, creamy finish.
• Sautéed Apples Or Pears Warm fruit brings a cozy, spiced dimension.
• Vegan Caramel Sauce Drizzle over for an extra layer of decadence.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Quinoa A warm, nutritious side that pairs wonderfully.
• Warm Berry Compote Adds a tart, fruity contrast to the sweetness.
• Ginger Tea A soothing, spicy drink to cleanse the palate.
• Vegan Yogurt Parfait Layer with granola and fruit for a lighter option.

How To Serve?

• Warm It Up: Serve the bread pudding warm to highlight its comforting, cozy texture.
• Add a Sauce: Drizzle with vegan caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flavor and a visually appealing finish.
• Include a Scoop: Accompany with a scoop of vegan ice cream or coconut whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
• Garnish Wisely: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or fresh berries for a burst of color and taste.
• Offer Fruit Compote: Provide a side of warm berry or apple compote to add a tart balance.
• Serve in Individual Portions: Pre-cut servings or use ramekins for a personalized touch.
• Pair with Beverages: Offer coffee, tea, or a dessert wine that complements the pudding’s flavors.
• Decorate the Plate: Use mint leaves or edible flowers for a fresh, decorative element.
• Dust with Spices: A light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon adds aroma and depth.
• Offer Variety: If you have variations, serve a small piece of each to allow tasting different flavors.

Quick Tip – Try roasting vegetables before adding them to deepen the flavors in vegan soups and stews. This step caramelizes the vegetables’ natural sugars, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare your vegan bread pudding mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the liquid fully, creating a more cohesive and flavorful dessert.
• Refrigerate: After baking, let the bread pudding cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, slice the cooled bread pudding, wrap each piece individually, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm slices in the oven before serving.
• Reheat: To maintain moisture, reheat slices covered with foil in the oven at 350°F until warmed. A splash of plant-based milk before reheating can prevent drying out.
• Serve: Always allow the bread pudding to reach room temperature or warm it slightly before serving, enhancing its flavors and texture.

Fact– The concept of bread pudding dates back to the 11th century. It was originally devised as a frugal way to utilize stale bread, preventing waste while creating a delicious dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Fresh Bread Instead Of Stale Bread For Vegan Bread Pudding?

You can use fresh bread, but stale bread is preferable because it absorbs the liquid mixture better without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, cube it and lightly toast it in the oven for a few minutes to dry it out before using it.

What Can I Use As An Egg Substitute In Vegan Bread Pudding?

Several egg substitutes are suitable for vegan bread pudding. Unsweetened apple sauce, mashed bananas, flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg), and commercial vegan egg replacers are all excellent choices. Each option provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.

How Can I Make My Vegan Bread Pudding More Flavorful?

Enhance the flavor by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the liquid mixture. Vanilla extract or almond extract can also add depth.

Mix dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, nuts, or chocolate chips for texture and taste. Rich plant-based milk, like coconut milk, adds creaminess and flavor.

Is Vegan Bread Pudding Healthy?

Vegan bread pudding can be a healthier alternative to traditional recipes, as it eliminates dairy and eggs, reducing cholesterol and saturated fat.

However, it still contains sugar and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For a healthier version, use whole-grain bread, reduce the sugar, and incorporate fruits.

How Do I Store Leftover Vegan Bread Pudding, And How Long Will It Last?

Leftover vegan bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the microwave or oven until heated.