Indulge in the Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Bread Pudding: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free with Luscious Caramel Sauce

Experience the comforting embrace of a classic dessert, reimagined to be completely gluten-free and dairy-free without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or richness. This warm, buttery bread pudding boasts deep notes of brown sugar, generously crowned with a luxurious, homemade caramel sauce. The perfect pairing? A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, melting blissfully into every nook and cranny, creating a symphony of textures and temperatures. Beyond being a delightful treat, this recipe is meticulously crafted to be free from many common allergens, including soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, and sesame, making it an ideal dessert for diverse dietary needs and celebrations.

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WHY THIS ALLERGY-FRIENDLY BREAD PUDDING IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST-TRY

There’s a reason why bread pudding has stood the test of time as a beloved dessert. Yet, despite its enduring appeal, it often gets overlooked in favor of more trendy treats. Each time I prepare this incredible gluten-free, dairy-free bread pudding, I’m reminded of its unique charm and wonder why it doesn’t grace our tables more frequently. It’s a dessert that perfectly balances richness and comfort, offering a truly decadent experience that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the soul.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, particularly because it’s my dad’s all-time favorite dessert. You’ll often find me making it for his birthday and during the festive Christmas season. Without fail, he indulges in at least three generous helpings, and honestly, who can blame him? The sheer deliciousness of this dish makes it impossible to resist, and we all find ourselves reaching for “just a little more,” enchanted by its irresistible taste and comforting texture.

The magic of bread pudding truly comes alive when you pair the warmth of the dessert with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The contrasting temperatures create an exquisite sensation on the palate, a delightful dance of hot and cold that is simply perfect. And when you add a generous drizzle of the creamy, luscious caramel sauce on top? That’s when this humble dessert transforms into something truly extraordinary – dessert status, definitively unlocked! You can customize the amount of caramel to your liking, ensuring every bite is pure bliss, with the warm, buttery notes harmonizing beautifully with the sweet, sticky sauce.

What’s truly remarkable about this bread pudding is that despite its gourmet taste, it’s made from surprisingly simple ingredients: bread, butter (plant-based in this case), and sugar. Yet, through a little culinary alchemy, these basic components come together to create a dessert with a wonderfully soft, custard-like interior and delightfully crunchy, caramelized caverns on top. This textural contrast is key to its appeal, offering a satisfying crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in every spoonful, making each bite an adventure.

Preparing this bread pudding is also incredibly easy, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Most of the work involves simple stirring and assembly, eliminating the need for complex techniques. The best part? You don’t have to wait for your bread to go stale. Unlike many traditional bread pudding recipes, this one uses a fresh loaf straight from the package, saving you time and planning. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday like Christmas, when it’s a traditional favorite, or simply on a random weeknight when a craving strikes, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

The longevity and enduring popularity of bread pudding are a testament to its deliciousness, and now, with this thoughtfully crafted gluten-free and dairy-free version, even more people can enjoy this timeless classic. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a piece of culinary history made accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of common dietary restrictions.

For those new to gluten-free baking, this recipe is an excellent starting point. You won’t need to hunt for specialty flours, xanthan gums, or other unique ingredients that you might not use again. All you need is one good gluten-free loaf, and you’re ready to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes anything but “allergy-friendly.” It’s a straightforward, rewarding baking experience that builds confidence in the gluten-free kitchen.

CHOOSING THE BEST GLUTEN-FREE BREAD FOR YOUR PUDDING

The foundation of any great bread pudding is, naturally, the bread itself. For a gluten-free bread pudding, selecting the right type of gluten-free bread is paramount to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. While there’s a growing variety of gluten-free bread brands available today, my top recommendation for this recipe – and for other custard-heavy applications like French toast – is Canyon Bakehouse Bread.

Canyon Bakehouse stands out because it’s a wonderfully soft, often “eggy” bread, which makes it exceptionally good at soaking up the rich custard mixture. This characteristic is crucial for developing that moist, tender interior that defines a truly great bread pudding. Its ability to absorb the liquid without becoming mushy is what makes it ideal. Specifically, I prefer their Country White variety. Its subtle flavor profile and excellent absorption qualities ensure it complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Please note, this is a genuine recommendation based on personal preference and consistent results, not a sponsored endorsement.

While other gluten-free breads might work in a pinch, be mindful of their texture and density. Some gluten-free breads can be drier or have a more crumbly texture, which might not absorb the custard as effectively, leading to a less luxurious final product. Look for a bread that feels soft and somewhat pliable, rather than dense or overly airy. If you can’t find Canyon Bakehouse, opt for a gluten-free white or brioche-style bread that feels substantial enough to hold up to the liquid without disintegrating, but soft enough to become infused with flavor. Always avoid breads that are too holey or too dense, as they won’t yield the desired bread pudding consistency.

CRAFTING A PERFECTLY DAIRY-FREE BREAD PUDDING

Transforming a classic bread pudding into a delicious dairy-free version is simpler than you might think, primarily involving two key ingredient substitutions. Traditional recipes typically rely on dairy butter and dairy milk, both of which are easily replaced with excellent plant-based alternatives available today. These swaps ensure the dessert retains all its comforting qualities while being suitable for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.

The first dairy component to address is butter. Butter is integral to this recipe, contributing to the richness of the custard, the delectable brown sugar topping, and the star of the show – the luscious caramel sauce. My absolute favorite plant-based butter for this recipe is Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil. I find that its flavor profile is remarkably close to traditional butter, providing that essential buttery taste and mouthfeel without any dairy. It melts beautifully and integrates seamlessly into all three layers of the bread pudding, ensuring a consistent and delicious result that truly mimics the classic.

For the milk replacement in the custard, I consistently turn to rice milk. While rice milk is naturally thinner than cow’s milk, it has the most unassuming and neutral flavor among plant-based milks. This neutrality is a huge advantage, as it allows the simple, comforting flavors of the bread pudding – the brown sugar, vanilla, and bread – to truly shine without any competing aftertastes. I’ve found that many nut milks (like almond or cashew milk) and soy milk, while popular dairy alternatives, can sometimes impart their own distinct flavors, which can subtly alter the overall taste of the bread pudding. For a pure, unadulterated bread pudding experience, rice milk is my preferred choice. Ensure you’re using unsweetened rice milk to control the sugar content of your dessert and allow the natural sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar to come through.

ENJOYING THIS RECIPE WITH DAIRY

For those who do not have dairy sensitivities or allergies, adapting this recipe back to a traditional dairy version is incredibly straightforward. The beauty of these ingredient swaps is their versatility and how easily they can be reversed without compromising the recipe’s integrity. If you can enjoy dairy, simply use regular milk in place of the rice milk specified for the custard. Whole milk or even a rich half-and-half will yield an even more decadent and creamy custard base, enhancing its luxurious texture. Similarly, for all instances where plant butter is called for – in the custard, the topping, and the caramel sauce – you can substitute with regular dairy butter. Unsalted butter is generally recommended for baking to allow better control over the overall saltiness of the dish. These simple changes mean everyone can enjoy a version of this delightful bread pudding, tailored perfectly to their dietary needs and preferences.

ENSURING YOUR BREAD PUDDING IS ALLERGY-FRIENDLY

One of the greatest benefits of this bread pudding recipe is its exceptional allergy-friendliness. As written, this recipe is carefully crafted to be free from eight of the nine most common allergens, making it a safe and delicious option for many individuals with diverse dietary restrictions. Specifically, it is free of gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut (if pecans are omitted), fish, shellfish, and sesame, offering peace of mind to hosts and guests alike.

It’s important to note a common point of discussion regarding soy: the plant butter I recommend (Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil) does state that it contains soy lecithin. For most individuals with a soy allergy, soy lecithin is generally well-tolerated due to its highly processed nature and very low protein content. However, if you or your guests have a severe soy allergy and cannot tolerate even soy lecithin, there are alternative soy-free plant butters available, such as some varieties from Earth Balance. Always check labels carefully to ensure suitability for your specific needs, as brands and formulations can vary.

Above all, responsible allergy management dictates the critical importance of reading *every single ingredient label* for all products you use. Food manufacturers can change formulations without notice, and brands vary widely in their sourcing and processing practices. What was safe yesterday might not be safe today, so always double-check the labels on the products you have on hand before baking. This diligence is key to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of this allergy-friendly bread pudding for everyone at your table. Don’t leave anything to chance when it comes to allergies.

EGG-FREE BREAD PUDDING: UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGE

While this recipe excels at being gluten-free and dairy-free, unfortunately, it cannot be made egg-free without fundamentally altering its core structure and texture. Eggs are an absolutely crucial component in a traditional bread pudding custard. They provide the essential binding, richness, and classic custardy texture that makes bread pudding so beloved. Without eggs, the filling would lack its signature creamy consistency and wouldn’t set properly, resulting in a dish that doesn’t resemble bread pudding at all, but rather a soggy, unappealing mess.

I understand the desire for egg-free options, especially as my own son had an egg allergy for over a decade. It was a long wait until he outgrew it, and we could finally enjoy this wonderful dessert together. It’s heartening to know that many individuals do outgrow their egg allergies, and I sincerely hope that if you’re currently navigating an egg allergy, you too will one day be able to savor the joy of this classic, comforting dessert. For now, the eggs remain a non-negotiable part of achieving that perfect bread pudding experience.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS DELIGHTFUL BREAD PUDDING

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to creating this unforgettable gluten-free and dairy-free bread pudding. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. Remember to always check labels for your specific allergy needs to ensure every ingredient meets your dietary requirements.

CUSTARD:
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This provides the foundational sweetness to the rich, creamy custard, balancing the other flavors perfectly.
- 5 large beaten eggs: Essential for binding the custard, giving it its signature smooth and creamy texture, and helping the pudding set beautifully.
- 2 cups rice milk (regular or vanilla will work): Our dairy-free base, chosen specifically for its neutral flavor that allows the other delightful ingredients to truly shine without any interference.
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: A must for adding warmth, depth, and that classic comforting aroma to the entire dessert.
- 1 loaf of Canyon Bakehouse bread (except the ends): The star ingredient of our pudding, chosen for its excellent ability to absorb the custard beautifully for a tender, moist result.
TOPPING:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: This creates a wonderfully caramelized, slightly crunchy crust on top of the pudding, adding another layer of texture and sweetness.
- 1/4 cup softened Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor to the topping, ensuring it’s dairy-free while still delivering on taste.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (if no nut allergies): Adds a delightful crunch and a complementary nutty flavor, but can be easily omitted for those with nut allergies without compromising the dessert.
CARAMEL SAUCE:
- 1/2 cup melted Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter: The rich, smooth base for our homemade dairy-free caramel, providing that luxurious texture.
- 1 cup brown granulated sugar: For that deep, sweet, and complex caramel flavor that’s utterly irresistible.
- 1 beaten egg: Acts as an emulsifier and thickener in the sauce, ensuring a silky-smooth, perfectly luscious caramel.
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and aromatic profile of the caramel, rounding out its flavors.
- 1/4 tsp salt: A small but mighty ingredient that balances the sweetness and truly brings out the complexity and depth of the caramel.

ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR YOUR BREAD PUDDING BAKING ADVENTURE

Having the right tools on hand makes the baking process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. You won’t need any highly specialized equipment for this recipe, just standard kitchen items that most home bakers already possess:

Large and medium mixing bowl: These are indispensable for combining your custard ingredients smoothly and for preparing the brown sugar topping separately.
Cutting board and bread knife: Essential for safely and easily cubing your gluten-free bread into uniform pieces, which ensures even absorption.
Non-stick spray: To thoroughly prepare your baking dish, ensuring the bread pudding doesn’t stick and allowing for effortless serving and cleanup.
Whisk: This is crucial for smoothly blending the custard ingredients and for achieving a perfect, lump-free consistency in your caramel sauce.
Medium sauce pan: The ideal vessel for simmering and stirring your homemade caramel sauce, allowing for controlled heat and consistent results.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are absolutely key for perfect baking results, ensuring the right balance of flavors and textures.
Glass 13×9 pan: This is the perfect size for baking this generous bread pudding, allowing for even heat distribution and a beautifully golden-brown crust.

EXPLORE MORE LUSCIOUS CARAMEL DESSERTS

If you’re anything like me, caramel holds a special place in your heart (and on your palate!). Its rich, sweet, and buttery notes are simply irresistible, creating a flavor profile that evokes comfort and indulgence. Over the years, I’ve perfected several gluten-free and dairy-free caramel recipes, proving that you don’t have to miss out on this incredible flavor due to dietary restrictions. Once you’ve mastered the caramel sauce in this bread pudding, you’ll be ready to dive into these other delightful creations, each offering a unique way to enjoy dairy-free caramel:

My Chewy Dairy-free Caramels: These individual caramels are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth on the go or gifting during the holidays.
My 2 Ingredient Dairy-free Caramel Sauce: An unbelievably simple and versatile sauce for drizzling over ice cream, cakes, or indeed, this bread pudding if you want an alternative.
My Soft Dairy-free Caramel Popcorn: A fantastic snack or party treat, especially wonderful during festive seasons when you need a crowd-pleasing, allergy-friendly option.
Salted Caramel Dairy-free Rice Krispies: A chewy, sweet, and salty twist on a childhood favorite, elevated with the sophisticated flavor of salted caramel.
And my Vegan Christmas Crack: An addictive holiday confection that combines crispiness with rich caramel, guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering!

Each of these recipes brings its own unique caramel experience, all crafted to be safe and enjoyable for those avoiding dairy, proving that deliciousness knows no bounds.

VISUAL GUIDE: WATCH THE BREAD PUDDING COME TO LIFE!

Sometimes, seeing a recipe made step-by-step can be incredibly helpful, especially when you’re trying a new allergy-friendly approach or simply want to ensure you’re following every detail correctly. That’s why I’ve created a comprehensive video tutorial to guide you through making this gluten-free and dairy-free bread pudding. This video breaks down the process into four incredibly simple and clear steps, making it easy for anyone to follow along:

Prep the Bread: Learn the best way to cut your gluten-free loaf into perfect cubes for optimal custard absorption and texture.
Whip Up the Custard: Watch as the rich, flavorful custard comes together in moments and is then perfectly poured over the prepared bread.
Sprinkle the Topping: See exactly how to evenly distribute the brown sugar and plant butter mixture for that perfect caramelized, crunchy crust.
Stir the Caramel: Follow along step-by-step as the luxurious dairy-free caramel sauce is created from scratch, reaching that ideal consistency.

It’s truly that easy! The video should automatically appear on this page as you scroll, but if for any reason it doesn’t, you’ll find it conveniently embedded at the very bottom of the recipe card below. For even more allergy-friendly recipes and baking tips, be sure to visit and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Don’t miss out on seeing how effortless and rewarding this decadent dessert truly is to make!

Ultimate Allergy-Friendly Bread Pudding: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free with Luscious Caramel Sauce

Yield:
15

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

Experience the comforting embrace of a classic dessert, reimagined to be completely gluten-free and dairy-free without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or richness. This warm, buttery bread pudding boasts deep notes of brown sugar, generously crowned with a luxurious, homemade caramel sauce. The perfect pairing? A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, melting blissfully into every nook and cranny. This recipe is also free from soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Ingredients

CUSTARD:

1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
5 large beaten eggs
2 cups rice milk (regular or vanilla will work)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 loaf of Canyon Bakehouse bread (except the ends)

TOPPING:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup softened Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter
1 cup chopped pecans (if no nut allergies)

CARAMEL SAUCE:

1/2 cup melted Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter
1 cup light brown granulated sugar
1 beaten egg
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Lightly grease a 13×9 inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray, making sure all interior surfaces are covered, then set it aside.

Open a bag of Canyon Bakehouse Mountain White 15 oz bread, discard the end pieces as they can be tough. Cube the remaining bread into approximately 1-inch pieces and place them evenly inside the greased baking dish. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 5 large beaten eggs, 2 cups rice milk, and 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the cubed bread in the 13×9 inch dish, ensuring all bread pieces are thoroughly saturated.

Allow the bread to soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for the bread to absorb the liquid and achieve a moist, tender interior.

While the bread is soaking, prepare your topping. In a medium bowl, combine the 1/4 cup softened Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter and 1 cup packed light brown sugar. Mix these together until they are fully combined and form a crumbly mixture.

Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and plant butter mixture over the top of the bread pudding. If you are using chopped pecans and have no nut allergies, sprinkle them over the topping now as well for added crunch and flavor.

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, indicating the custard has set.

While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the luscious caramel sauce. In a medium sauce pan over medium/low heat, add the 1/2 cup melted Country Crock Olive Oil Plant Butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir frequently with a whisk until everything is completely melted and smoothly combined.

In a separate small bowl, crack your egg and whisk it well until smooth. Gradually add the whisked egg into the simmering caramel mixture, stirring immediately and vigorously to prevent scrambling. Continue stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Whisk vigorously for one minute while it boils to ensure it thickens properly.

Remove the caramel sauce from the heat and allow it to thicken further as it cools. It will become wonderfully rich and luscious while the bread pudding finishes baking.

When the bread pudding is ready, allow it to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared caramel sauce over the top. You can serve the bread pudding warm or cool, and the caramel sauce can be served at room temperature, cooled, or gently re-heated. It’s wonderful and versatile in all these various ways.

To store any delicious leftovers, allow the bread pudding to completely cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Keep the caramel sauce separately in its own airtight container. The bread pudding will keep well for up to three days, ready for another delightful serving.

Notes

For substitutions and FAQs read above the recipe.

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family.

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Inspired by Paula Deen’s Bread Pudding

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 635Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 390mgCarbohydrates: 63gFiber: 2gSugar: 39gProtein: 8g

This Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and inclusivity. It proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on taste or the joy of sharing a classic comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this recipe promises a memorable, warm, and utterly delicious experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert that caters to everyone while tasting absolutely divine!

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