Description
This easy Pumpkin Bread Pudding is a cozy and comforting plant-based dessert infused with warm spices and natural sweetness. Made with simple kitchen staples like challah or brioche bread and pumpkin puree, it creates a rich and creamy pudding perfect for fall occasions or any time you crave a flavorful, wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Challah or Brioche Bread, cut into cubes (slightly stale)
- 2 cups Pumpkin Puree
- 2 cups Plant-Based Milk
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon (natural)
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (natural)
- 1/2 tsp Ginger (natural)
- 1/4 tsp Cloves (natural)
- 1 tbsp Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (natural)
- 1 tsp Natural Gelling Agent
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Maple Syrup (natural), for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your challah or brioche bread into cubes and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. Slightly dry bread works best because it soaks up the pumpkin custard perfectly without becoming too soggy.
- Make the Pumpkin Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent until you have a smooth, flavorful custard mixture.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the pumpkin custard over the bread cubes, ensuring every piece is well coated. Press gently with a spatula to help the bread absorb the custard fully. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes to soak.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45 minutes, until the top turns golden and the custard is set but still creamy inside. Baking transforms the mixture into a warm, delightful pudding.
- Optional Toppings: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle maple syrup (natural) over the pudding shortly before serving for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard better for a moist pudding.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just enough to combine ingredients without breaking down the bread too much.
- Let It Rest: Allow the soaked bread to rest before baking to maximize flavor absorption.
- Watch the Baking Time: Baking too long can dry out the pudding; remove when a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean but with some moist crumbs.
- Add Texture: Include chopped nuts or seeds for an enjoyable crunch contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Pumpkin bread pudding, plant-based dessert, fall dessert, pumpkin recipe, autumn spices, vegan bread pudding