Description
This Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a warm, cozy dessert featuring plant-based ingredients and infused with classic fall spices. It delivers a moist, flavorful custard-soaked bread experience perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare yet indulgent, it highlights pumpkin in a unique, delicious way with customizable options.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old plant-based challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (natural)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Optional Mix-Ins and Variations
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apples
- 1/2 cup plant-based chocolate chips or chunks
- Additional spices: cardamom, ginger (natural) to taste
- Gluten-free bread alternative (if needed)
Instructions
- Prep the Bread: Cut your day-old plant-based challah or brioche bread into roughly 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in a buttered baking dish. Using slightly stale bread helps it soak up the custard better without turning mushy.
- Make the Pumpkin Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vanilla extract (natural), apple cider vinegar, and natural gelling agent until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently to make sure every piece is soaked. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow maximum absorption for that melty texture. Add any optional mix-ins if desired.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pudding for 40-45 minutes or until the top turns golden and the custard is set but still tender. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or slightly moist. If adding nuts or chocolate chips, sprinkle them on midway through baking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to let it firm up and enhance the flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with powdered sugar (natural), whipped plant-based cream, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup if desired.
Notes
- Use dense bread like plant-based challah or brioche to absorb custard well without falling apart.
- Allow bread to soak in custard for best creamy texture.
- Adjust spices carefully to keep flavors warm and balanced.
- Start checking doneness at 35 minutes to avoid drying out.
- If adding nuts or chips, add them midway during baking to maintain texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat slices wrapped loosely in foil at 300°F (150°C) or microwave with a splash of plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin bread pudding, plant-based dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin custard, cozy dessert