Vegan Bread Pudding Recipe
Because this vegan bread pudding is egg-free, it doesn’t have the same structure as a traditional bread pudding that fluffs-up when baked. Instead, it reminds me of a cross between a baked french toast casserole and the “monkey bread” I grew up eating. Which is a delicious combination!
How to Make a Vegan Bread Pudding Sauce
Traditional bread pudding is made with eggs and cream, so to replicate that bread pudding sauce I tried two different vegan egg substitutes. First, I tried using chia eggs, which was fine… but it tasted like a really “healthy” bread pudding.
The second version I tried was MUCH better, using arrowroot starch to thicken up the vegan bread pudding sauce. Paired with coconut milk and maple syrup, it becomes a rich, caramel-like sauce that’s perfect for coating the bread cubes.
What is the Best Gluten-free & Vegan Bread?
Speaking of bread, if you want to make this vegan bread pudding gluten-free as well, the choices for bread become very limited. Most gluten-free breads contain eggs, but I found two options while shopping around. The most fluffy gluten-free & vegan bread I’ve found for this recipe is BFree brand. (It’s sold in the freezer section at Costco, if you’re a member.)
I also love Food For Life’s Brown Rice Bread, as another gluten-free and vegan bread, but it’s much denser in texture. As a result, it doesn’t absorb the bread pudding sauce as quickly, so I recommend letting the bread soak overnight as mentioned in the directions below.
If you don’t have special dietary needs, and you just came across this recipe because you ran out of eggs, you can use any other bread you like. It’s particularly delicious when you use Brioche bread– but that is made with gluten and eggs, so it won’t be vegan in that case. Many gluten-containing breads are naturally vegan, so just be sure to check labels when you shop. Recipe Notes:
I love the creaminess from the coconut milk in this recipe (and I don’t notice a coconut flavor from it), but you could probably use any other non-dairy milk you like in this case. You can use slightly less maple syrup if you’d prefer, but be sure to also reduce the salt in that case.
As always, if you modify this recipe please leave a comment below letting us know what worked for you. We can all benefit from your experience!
More Vegan Brunch Recipes:
Gluten-free & Vegan Cinnamon Rolls Vegan Pancakes (gluten-free!) Vegan French Toast Crispy Mushroom Bacon (unbelievably good) Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats (for an oatmeal bar!)
– Reader Feedback: Do you make bread pudding for holiday gatherings? What’s your favorite sweet option to bring to a brunch?
